Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
Justin Trudeau Accuses India of Criminal Ties Amid Diplomatic Row
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has intensified his accusations against India, alleging that the Indian government is involved in supporting criminal activities on Canadian soil.
The diplomatic standoff between the two countries deepened after Trudeau claimed India had ties to organized crime elements in Canada, accusing New Delhi of targeting South Asian Canadians through “coercive behavior.”
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Nijjar’s Killing
The ongoing dispute stems from Trudeau’s earlier allegations that Indian government agents were linked to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen, in June 2023. This claim led to a series of diplomatic expulsions, with both countries ousting several diplomats. Most recently, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler and his deputy, while India responded by withdrawing its officials due to security concerns.
Trudeau Alleges Broader Criminal Involvement
In an escalated charge on Monday, Trudeau accused the Indian government of working with organized crime groups to collect information on Canadian citizens. He claimed these actions led to violent outcomes, including extortion and murder. “The Government of India made a fundamental error in thinking they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians,” Trudeau remarked, emphasizing the severity of the alleged offenses.
While India has yet to respond to Trudeau’s latest comments, New Delhi has repeatedly rejected the claims as “absurd” and “motivated.” The Indian government has also noted that despite multiple requests, Canada has not provided any concrete evidence linking India to Nijjar’s murder.
RCMP Involvement and Trudeau’s Response
Trudeau’s accusations follow warnings from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about public safety threats linked to India’s alleged activities in Canada. According to RCMP, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with murder, and at least 22 for extortion, with potential links to Indian government agents.
In response to the diplomatic fallout, Trudeau stressed that Canada had shared these concerns with its Five Eyes intelligence partners, particularly the United States. He also mentioned that despite Canada’s attempts to engage with India, their requests had been “repeatedly refused.”
The diplomatic rift has unfolded as Trudeau faces dwindling political support at home. His latest comments come as he narrowly survived a second confidence vote in Parliament, ahead of the 2025 elections.
As tensions continue to mount, both Canada and India remain entrenched in a high-stakes diplomatic showdown, with no resolution in sight.
