The Canadian government has officially refuted allegations tying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, or National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to any criminal activities in Canada. This clarification follows a report published by The Globe and Mail, which suggested a connection between the Indian leadership and the death of Hardeep Nijjar, a terrorist designated by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Canadian Statement on the Matter
Nathalie G. Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, issued a statement through the Privy Council Office on Friday. It declared:
- No Evidence of Indian Leaders’ Involvement:
“The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada,” the statement read. - Denial of Speculation:
The statement emphasized that any suggestion to the contrary is “speculative and inaccurate.”
India’s Strong Rebuttal
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the media report, describing it as a “smear campaign” aimed at further damaging the already strained India-Canada relationship.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal said:
- Unfounded Allegations:
“Such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.” - Strained Relations:
“Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.”
Background
The controversy emerged after the Canadian newspaper alleged that Indian government officials might be linked to Nijjar’s death. Nijjar was a designated terrorist under Indian law, accused of separatist activities promoting Khalistan.
Diplomatic Context
India-Canada ties have been under strain, with both nations experiencing increasing friction over issues like Khalistani separatism and diplomatic expulsions. While Canada maintains its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, India continues to emphasize its concerns over the support for separatist elements in Canada.
The latest statement by the Canadian government appears to distance its leadership from these allegations, possibly aimed at calming diplomatic tensions.