The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated following media reports alleging that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had prior knowledge of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in British Columbia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly refuted the allegations, calling them baseless and damaging to already strained relations.
Key Developments:
- Canadian Media Report:
- A report in The Globe and Mail claimed Canadian security agencies suspect that PM Modi, along with Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, was aware of Nijjar’s killing and other alleged violent plots in Canada.
- The report, citing unnamed Canadian officials, speculated it was “unthinkable” for such actions to occur without Modi’s knowledge but acknowledged no direct evidence linking Modi to the incident.
- India’s Response:
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as “ludicrous” and part of a smear campaign.
- Jaiswal criticized the claims as damaging to bilateral ties, urging for their dismissal with “the contempt they deserve.”
- Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s Stand:
- Trudeau admitted that Canada lacks concrete evidence of India’s involvement, despite possessing intelligence.
- He stated that Canada sought joint investigations with India but faced a lack of cooperation from the Indian government.
- Context of Strained Relations:
- Relations between the two nations have been under strain due to earlier controversies surrounding allegations of foreign interference and India’s concerns over Khalistani separatist activities in Canada.
Implications:
- The allegations and India’s sharp rebuttal are likely to further deteriorate India-Canada ties, which have already been tense over issues of mutual distrust and conflicting political narratives.
- The lack of concrete evidence but persistent accusations from Canadian sources underscores the diplomatic challenges both nations face in finding common ground.
- These developments could impact trade, security collaborations, and the broader relationship between the two nations.
This diplomatic flashpoint highlights the fragile nature of bilateral ties and the risks posed by unverified allegations in international relations.
