India Dismisses Canadian Media Report on Nijjar Killing as ‘Ludicrous’ Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions

India Rejects Canadian Media Report on Nijjar Killing

India dismissed a report from Canadian media that implicated Prime Minister Modi in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Foreign Ministry labeled the claims a “smear campaign” that worsens already strained relations between the two nations.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Ludicrous statements made by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with contempt.” He emphasized that such campaigns harm diplomatic ties.

Nijjar’s death in June 2023 sparked tensions when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement, yet Canada has provided no concrete evidence. In response, India has consistently refuted the allegations, calling them “preposterous.”

The report claimed, based on an anonymous security official, that Canadian and American intelligence connected the assassination to Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah. However, this source acknowledged that Canada lacks direct evidence linking Modi to the assassination.

Tensions escalated after Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison suggested that Khalistani extremists were targeted under Shah’s orders. India expressed its disapproval and summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission, condemning these comments as “absurd and baseless.”

India and Canada have struggled with diplomatic relations, particularly concerning the alleged involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s assassination. India has sought evidence from Canada but to no avail. Meanwhile, incidents targeting Hindus in Canada have increased, prompting Modi to condemn a recent attack on a Hindu temple.

Indian officials believe Trudeau may be supporting Khalistani groups to gain backing from MP Jagmeet Singh, amid declining popularity for the Liberal Party before upcoming elections.