According to the Globe and Mail’s sources, unnamed Canadian officials claimed that the plot to assassinate Nijjar, who was a prominent proponent of an independent Sikh state, was discussed at high levels of the Indian government. The report also named India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as part of the alleged knowledge circle surrounding the assassination.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, condemned the report, calling it “baseless and motivated.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted that the publication was a deliberate attempt to malign the Indian government, emphasizing that such claims were completely false. Jaiswal further criticized the media for using anonymous sources and spreading allegations that could jeopardize diplomatic relations.
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar took place on June 18, 2023, outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, and has since been a point of contention between India and Canada. While Nijjar was accused by Indian authorities of being involved in promoting the secessionist Khalistan movement, Canadian authorities have insisted on a fair investigation into the killing. The Canadian government has called for the involvement of law enforcement agencies to probe the incident, urging cooperation from India, though tensions have remained high as both sides accuse each other of interference.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly called for justice in Nijjar’s killing. However, diplomatic ties between India and Canada have significantly deteriorated following these allegations. The diplomatic discord reached a peak when Trudeau, in September 2023, publicly accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Nijjar, citing intelligence sources. Trudeau’s comments led to a diplomatic expulsion, with both India and Canada recalling their respective diplomats.
India has denied any involvement in the killing and has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. It has also dismissed any assertions that the government condoned or orchestrated the assassination, a claim that India views as a direct affront to its sovereignty.
The diplomatic clash has raised concerns among international observers, especially as both nations share important trade ties. India is one of Canada’s largest trading partners, with significant Indian diaspora in Canada playing a role in maintaining the economic relations. However, the allegations and counterclaims have cast a shadow over the potential for improved relations, with both sides finding it increasingly difficult to de-escalate the situation.
As the dispute between the two countries continues to unfold, the global community remains vigilant. Many observers are keen to see how both nations handle the ongoing tension, particularly in the context of their geopolitical interests. The United States, which shares significant ties with both India and Canada, has remained relatively neutral but has called for an independent investigation into Nijjar’s death. Some international experts suggest that while the allegations may be based on intelligence, it remains unclear whether these claims are substantiated or manipulated for political purposes.
On the Indian side, the government’s response to the Globe and Mail report is indicative of the sensitivity with which it views any accusation against the leadership. Modi’s administration has consistently pushed back against what it perceives as Western narratives that question its policies or actions, especially those related to national security. India’s stance on the Khalistan movement has been firm, with the government declaring that it will not tolerate any separatist activities on its soil. The assertion that such an assassination could have been sanctioned by the highest levels of government is therefore viewed as not just an attack on India’s sovereignty but also an affront to its political leadership.
This incident is only the latest in a series of confrontations between India and Canada. Over the years, tensions have flared over a range of issues, including the treatment of Sikh Canadians, human rights concerns, and accusations of foreign interference. However, the Nijjar assassination has turned into the most significant diplomatic spat between the two nations in recent memory, exacerbating the already complex relationship.
The impact of this diplomatic row has extended beyond the political realm. For the large Sikh diaspora in Canada, the killing of Nijjar has deepened divisions, with protests held in various cities across Canada, calling for justice and accountability. The Canadian Sikh community has been vocal in its demand for a transparent investigation, although some elements within the community view the situation through the lens of a broader political struggle related to the Khalistan movement.