Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada revealed on Wednesday that the national police force had to make public allegations against Indian diplomats due to violent acts in Canada, including drive-by shootings, extortions, and a murder. The Royal Canadian Police identified India’s top diplomat and five others as persons of interest in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. The RCMP also uncovered evidence of an escalating campaign against Canadians by agents of the Indian government. Trudeau stressed that the goal was to ensure Canadians’ safety and not provoke a fight with India.
The killing of Nijjar has strained bilateral relations between India and Canada, leading to the expulsion of each other’s top diplomats over the allegations and other crimes in Canada. Trudeau admitted that the relationship with India was delicate, and Canadian officials had privately shared evidence with Indian counterparts who were uncooperative. The RCMP made the announcement about the Indian diplomats based on public safety concerns and the need to disrupt the chain of violent activities happening in Canada. Trudeau accused Indian diplomats of passing information about Canadians to their government, leading to violence against Canadians.
Indian government agents have been implicated in other homicides and violent acts in Canada, according to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme. He mentioned credible and imminent threats that prompted police to warn members of the South Asian community, particularly supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement. Trudeau criticized India for violating Canada’s sovereignty and accused them of sharing information with organized crime that resulted in violent acts. India has denied the allegations and criticized Trudeau for damaging relations between the two countries.
Trudeau mentioned that the decision to go public with the allegations could have been made earlier during the G20 Summit in September 2023, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Canada chose to work behind the scenes with India to address the issue. After his return, India’s response through the media was to attack Canada, prompting Trudeau to publicly address the allegations in Parliament. Four Indian nationals living in Canada have been charged with Nijjar’s murder, and the government is urging India to cooperate with the investigation into their involvement in violent crimes in Canada.
The British government supported Canada’s call for cooperation from India in the investigation, stating that it is the right next step. A U.S. State Department spokesman also emphasized the importance of India’s cooperation with Canadian authorities in addressing the allegations. Trudeau expressed concerns about public safety and chose to disclose the allegations involving Indian diplomats to prevent potential risks to Canadians. The escalating tensions between Canada and India highlight the complex dynamics surrounding the investigation into violent crimes and the need for cooperation between the two nations to ensure justice and security for all individuals involved.
