Fresh Delhi – India has rejected allegations linking two of its officials to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist. The response came Monday, with officials calling for sensitive matters to be resolved through “legal processes without public commentary.”
Allegations Surface
The allegations stem from a report in The Globe and Mail, which cited two unnamed sources – one in national security and another in law enforcement – claiming the two officials, previously stationed at the Indian consulate general in Vancouver, were allegedly involved in Nijjar’s death in June 2023. The report named Kanwaljit Singh, a former visa officer, and Manish, the former consul general in Vancouver who is now the envoy to Cyprus.
According to the report, Singh allegedly gathered information about Nijjar even as working as a visa officer and was monitored by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) as a potential agent of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). This information was reportedly transmitted to Vikash Yadav, a former RAW operative, who then allegedly communicated it to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
India’s Response
P. Kumaran, secretary (East) in India’s external affairs ministry, stated that India “categorically rejects allegations of involvement in trans-national violence or organised crime.” He described the claims as “baseless, politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence.”
Kumaran emphasized India’s commitment to the judicial process, noting that the criminal investigation into Nijjar’s murder is proceeding according to established legal procedures and has entered the pre-trial phase. He added that both India and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to “rebuild strategic trust” during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Both leaders agreed to advance cooperation on security and law enforcement, including addressing issues like transnational organized crime. Carney also stated Canada would continue to combat transnational repression.
Background and Ongoing Investigations
The allegations surrounding Nijjar’s death initially surfaced in September 2023 when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated there were “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing. India dismissed these accusations as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Yadav, a former officer with India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the RAW, was reportedly removed from his post following his implication in a separate case in the United States involving a plot to kill Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Pannun in New York. Both Nijjar and Pannun have been designated as terrorists by India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India’s position on the allegations?
India “categorically rejects allegations of involvement in trans-national violence or organised crime” and believes the matter should be addressed through legal processes, according to P. Kumaran, secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry.
What is the current status of the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death?
The criminal investigation is proceeding according to established legal procedures and has entered the pre-trial phase, with a full jury trial to follow, according to Indian officials.
What steps have India and Canada taken to address the strained relationship?
Prime Ministers Modi and Carney recently agreed to advance bilateral cooperation on security and law enforcement, and to rebuild strategic trust, strengthen institutional cooperation, and anchor the relationship in mutual respect.
Given the ongoing investigations and diplomatic efforts, what impact will these developments have on the future of India-Canada relations?