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In a startling revelation that has escalated diplomatic tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implicated the Indian government in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau publicly acknowledged credible allegations that link Indian government agents to Nijjar’s death in June. Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh separatist leader and Canadian citizen, was at the center of a contentious investigation that has strained bilateral relations between the two nations. Relations have further soured as Trudeau refuses to release crucial evidence connected to the case. These unprecedented allegations and demands for India’s cooperation in the investigation have reverberated through global diplomatic circles and added a new dimension of complexity to Indo-Canadian diplomacy.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has requested India’s cooperation in the ongoing investigation of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. However, Trudeau stated that Canada would not release its gathered evidence.
- On Monday, Trudeau disclosed that Ottawa had credible allegations connecting Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder in June. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was a Canadian citizen, and his death has resulted in increased tensions between Canada and India.
- The Canadian government has conducted a months-long investigation into the Sikh separatist leader’s murder, during which human and signal intelligence were collected. C.B.C. News reported these details in a separate article citing unnamed sources.
- Traditional Canadian allies, including the United States, have taken a cautious approach. This is partly due to their view of India as a counterweight to China’s expanding influence on the global stage.
- During a press conference held in New York at the United Nations General Assembly, Trudeau emphasized the value of maintaining the rule of law and prioritizing the protection of Canadian citizens. He called upon the Indian government to collaborate with Canada, establish processes, and uncover the truth about the murder.
- A CBC report cited Canadian sources who claimed that, when pressed behind closed doors, no Indian official has denied the allegation of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s death. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented on the report.
- The gathered intelligence includes communications records that involve Indian officials, including Indian diplomats present in Canada. Furthermore, some intelligence reportedly came from an unidentified member country within the Five Eyes alliance.
- The Five Eyes Alliance is an intelligence-sharing network of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that Washington communicated with Canada and India about Ottawa’s allegations, marking the first time the U.S. openly mentioned discussions with New Delhi on this issue.
- U.S. President Joe Biden and several members of the Five Eyes alliance are said to have brought up the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit earlier this month, as reported by the Financial Times.
- The Indian foreign ministry stated that Canada has not shared any specific information about Nijjar’s murder with them. Hardeep Singh Nijjar supported an independent Khalistani state as a Sikh homeland, and he was designated as a “terrorist” by India in July 2020.
- Trudeau emphasized the importance of allowing Canada’s independent justice system to proceed with its utmost integrity when asked about the evidence release.
- India has suspended new visas for Canadian nationals and requested that Ottawa reduce its diplomatic presence there. Trudeau did not provide a response to these measures during his press conference.
- In a separate statement, an Indian trade official reassured that there was no reason for Canadian pension funds to withdraw their investments in India.
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