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India Challenges Trudeau’s Unsubstantiated Allegations Over Nijjar Case
India has firmly conveyed to Canada that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cannot level unsubstantiated allegations against the Modi government regarding the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar without providing credible evidence. Trudeau’s claims, made without solid proof, have put significant strain on bilateral relations, with India emphasizing that the Canadian Prime Minister’s actions appear politically motivated, particularly given his reliance on pro-Khalistani support.
India Demands Evidence in Nijjar Case
The Indian stance was delivered to top Canadian security and diplomatic officials during a meeting held in a third country on Saturday. India highlighted discrepancies between Trudeau’s public accusations and the ongoing investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP is still investigating Nijjar’s murder, which took place on June 18, 2023, and has yet to produce concrete evidence linking India to the crime. India criticized Trudeau’s government for allegedly giving political directives to investigating agencies, which is a violation of legal norms.
Trudeau’s Tensions with India Rise
The diplomatic tensions escalated further after a brief and tense encounter between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ASEAN summit on October 11. Trudeau, reportedly with an eye on domestic politics, attempted to raise the issue with Modi, but the Indian leader dismissed the exchange, indicating that it was “not the time and place” for such a discussion. India later clarified that no substantive conversation had taken place during the brief interaction.
Political Motives Behind Trudeau’s Allegations
Observers point out that Trudeau’s actions are likely driven by his precarious political situation, with his minority government relying on support from pro-Khalistani parties such as the New Democratic Party (NDP). Trudeau’s government, under growing pressure ahead of next year’s elections, has continued to push for an inquiry into foreign interference, a move seen as an attempt to divert attention from domestic issues. His government has yet to present any legal evidence linking India to the Nijjar murder, despite mounting rhetoric.
Indian officials have made it clear that they are not willing to tolerate these political maneuvers. India has urged Canada to take verifiable action against anti-India Khalistani activities operating on Canadian soil if the two countries are to improve their strained bilateral relations. Canada, meanwhile, continues to face growing scrutiny over its handling of the Nijjar case and its broader foreign policy agenda.
