New Delhi: India has rejected Canada’s allegation on involvement in the death of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on September 18, 2023, that Canada was investigating possible links between the Indian government and Nijjar’s death, and that a top Indian diplomat had been expelled as a consequence.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded on September 19, 2023, saying that the allegations were “baseless and unsubstantiated.” The ministry said that India had “no role whatsoever” in Nijjar’s death, and that it was “disappointed by the premature and gratuitous action” taken by Canada.
The ministry also said that India was “committed to working closely with Canada to address any concerns” that Canada may have.
The expulsion of the Indian diplomat has further strained relations between the two countries. Canada has a large Sikh diaspora, and many Sikhs have accused India of human rights abuses in Punjab. India has denied these allegations.
It is important to note that the Canadian investigation into Nijjar’s death is still ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached.