‘If Allegations Are Substantiated…’: Canadian Defence Minister Addresses Tensions With India

In recent developments, the strained India-Canada relationship has been further exacerbated by Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair’s statement. He emphasized the importance of the relationship with India but insisted on a thorough investigation into allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously ignited a diplomatic row by suggesting that “Indian government agents” may be involved in Nijjar’s shooting.

Defence Minister Blair expressed the responsibility to uncover the truth behind these allegations and warned of significant concerns if they were proven true, particularly regarding Canada’s sovereignty. The United States, part of the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, played a role in Trudeau’s decision to make these accusations public.

However, India firmly rejected these allegations as “absurd” and criticized Canada for not providing specific information. India’s Ministry of External Affairs advised its nationals in Canada to exercise caution due to concerns about “politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence.”

Justin Trudeau asserted that Canada had shared the allegations with India weeks before going public, expressing a desire to work constructively with India to resolve the matter. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed concern about the allegations and a desire for accountability.

India, on its part, accused Canada of not acting on specific evidence regarding criminal activities by individuals based in Canada. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reportedly prepared a list of 19 fugitive Khalistani terrorists residing in various countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Dubai, Pakistan, and others, with potential property confiscation.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the 45-year-old chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and one of India’s most wanted terrorists, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in British Columbia, Canada, in June.

These events have added complexity to the India-Canada relationship and raised questions about cooperation, accountability, and sovereignty between the two nations.