Trudeau’s allegations weakened: Report fails to prove foreign role in Nijjar’s death

World news: A Canadian commission report has contradicted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of Indian agents being involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The 123-page document, titled ‘Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions,’ was released on Tuesday and stated that “no definitive link” with a “foreign state” was “proven” in Nijjar’s killing.

Canada accuses India of election interference

While clearing doubts over a foreign hand in Nijjar’s murder, the report has accused India of allegedly interfering in Canada’s electoral processes. This claim has been strongly rejected by the Indian government. Responding to the report, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, asserting, “We have seen a report about alleged activities on purported interference. It is, in fact, Canada which has been consistently interfering in India's internal affairs. This has also created an environment for illegal migration and organized criminal activities. We reject the report's insinuations on India and expect that the support system enabling illegal migration will not be further countenanced.”

India-Canada diplomatic rift deepens

The diplomatic strain between India and Canada began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused Indian government agents of playing a role in Nijjar’s assassination. Trudeau claimed that his government had substantial evidence proving Indian involvement, a charge that India outrightly dismissed as “absurd.”

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Following Trudeau’s allegations, diplomatic tensions escalated, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both nations.

Diplomatic expulsions and worsening relations

The report also mentions that in October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, a move that was swiftly reciprocated by India, which also expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of its high commissioner. The growing hostility between the two nations has led to mounting concerns over trade, migration policies, and overall bilateral relations.