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India Dismisses Canadian Prime Minister’s Claims Regarding the Killing of Sikh Activist as Baseless

by Gabriel Martinez
8 comments
Diplomatic Tensions between India and Canada

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has categorically dismissed allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concerning the assassination of a Sikh activist, describing them as “without foundation.”

The statement elaborated that during the recent G20 summit, similar accusations were conveyed by Trudeau to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which were also refuted by the Indian government.

“Such unfounded assertions aim to divert attention away from Khalistani terrorists and extremists harbored in Canada, who persist in compromising India’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” the statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stressed. The ministry further expressed its concerns about the Canadian government’s lack of action on this matter.

The official communique was issued subsequent to Canada’s expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat as part of an ongoing inquiry into what Trudeau has termed as credible allegations linking the Indian government to the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada.

In a parliamentary session, Trudeau revealed that Canadian intelligence services have been scrutinizing these claims after Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an advocate for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan, was fatally shot on June 18, outside a Sikh cultural facility in Surrey, British Columbia.

Previously, Canada took the step of expelling a high-ranking Indian diplomat as it delves into the allegations, suggesting a possible involvement of the Indian government in the assassination of Nijjar. Trudeau has conveyed to the Indian administration that any involvement from their end in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil would be an egregious violation of Canadian sovereignty.

Tensions have been escalating between Canada and India, resulting in halted trade discussions and the cancellation of a planned Canadian trade mission to India this autumn.

During the G20 conference, Prime Minister Modi raised “grave concerns” about Canada’s management of the Punjabi independence movement among overseas Sikhs, characterizing it as “fomenting separatism and inciting violence” against Indian diplomats. He urged Canada to collaborate with India in addressing what New Delhi perceives as a menace to the Indian diaspora in Canada, which comprises more than 770,000 Sikhs, or approximately 2% of Canada’s total population.

The unfolding situation has captured the attention of international leaders, with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stating that the issue will be discussed with G7 counterparts. Opposition leaders in Canada have also reacted strongly to the developments, demanding thorough investigation and justice.

The Khalistan movement remains outlawed in India, which views it and its affiliate organizations as a threat to national security. However, the movement garners some support both in northern India and internationally, especially in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, which have a significant Sikh population.

The assassination has triggered a widespread response, with experts, politicians, and organizations calling for detailed investigations and transparent sharing of information.


Contributions to this report were made by Aamer Madhani from Big Big News in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about India-Canada Relations

What are the core allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against the Indian government?

Justin Trudeau has alleged that the Indian government may have links to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist and advocate for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan. The killing took place in Surrey, British Columbia, and Canadian intelligence agencies are currently investigating the matter.

How has the Indian government responded to these allegations?

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has categorically rejected these allegations as “without foundation.” It stated that such claims aim to divert attention from Khalistani extremists who are sheltered in Canada and pose a threat to India’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Were the allegations discussed between the leaders of the two countries?

Yes, Justin Trudeau raised the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent G20 summit. However, the Indian government rejected these allegations at the summit as well.

What actions has Canada taken so far in light of the allegations?

Canada has expelled a senior Indian diplomat and is investigating the claims rigorously. Trudeau has conveyed to the Indian administration that any foreign involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil would be unacceptable.

What impact have these allegations had on Canada-India relations?

Relations between Canada and India have become increasingly strained. Trade talks have been suspended, and Canada has canceled a planned trade mission to India. The issue has escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

What is the Khalistan movement?

The Khalistan movement aims to create an independent Sikh state called Khalistan. Although it is banned in India and considered a threat to national security, the movement enjoys some level of support, particularly among the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.

How has the international community responded?

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has mentioned that the matter will be brought up with her G7 counterparts. Also, Trudeau has discussed the issue with U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

What is the status of the Sikh population in Canada?

Canada has a Sikh population of more than 770,000, which constitutes approximately 2% of the country’s total population.

What are the broader implications of this incident?

The incident has sparked concerns over foreign interference and has raised questions about the safety and integrity of diaspora communities in Canada. It has also put a spotlight on Canada’s and India’s foreign policy and bilateral relations.

What is being done about the investigation?

Canada’s national security adviser and the head of Canada’s spy service have traveled to India to meet their counterparts and confront Indian intelligence agencies with the allegations. The case is currently an active homicide investigation led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

More about India-Canada Relations

  • G20 Summit Official Statements
  • Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India: Press Releases
  • Statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
  • Canada Expels Indian Diplomat: News Article
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police: Press Releases on Ongoing Investigation
  • Khalistan Movement: Historical Background and Current Status
  • Canada’s Sikh Population: Demographic Study
  • U.S.-Canada Bilateral Relations
  • United Nations General Assembly: Agenda and Statements

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8 comments

TradeExpert September 19, 2023 - 4:10 am

cancelling the trade mission to India is a big deal. This could really affect bilateral relations for a long time. Don’t see an easy fix here.

Reply
HumanRightsNow September 19, 2023 - 7:23 am

Really worried about what this means for the Sikh community in both countries. Hope the leaders resolve this diplomatically without putting innocent lives at stake.

Reply
CuriousReader September 19, 2023 - 9:13 am

If Trudeau’s allegations turn out to be true, this would be a seismic event in diplomacy. Imagine a gov being involved in an assassination in another country. Just mind-blowing.

Reply
GlobalThinker September 19, 2023 - 10:29 am

The ripple effects of this could be massive. We’re not just talking Canada-India here. This could strain India’s relations with other G7 countries too.

Reply
PoliWatcher September 19, 2023 - 11:04 am

Trudeau and Modi, both are playing hardball. Wonder how the international community’s gonna react to this standoff.

Reply
Sikh4Life September 19, 2023 - 11:59 am

This is sensitive stuff. Growing up as a Sikh in Canada, I’ve always heard about these tensions but to see it unfold like this? It’s unreal.

Reply
CynicalSam September 19, 2023 - 7:16 pm

Eh, politicians will be politicians. They’ll say anything to divert attention from their own problems. Not buying it until I see some hard evidence.

Reply
JohnSmith2023 September 20, 2023 - 1:37 am

Wow, this is a really tense situation. Never thought I’d see the day when Canada and India are at odds like this. What’s the world comin to?

Reply

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