Canadian report finds ‘no definitive link’ of India’s role in Khalistani separatist Nijjar’s killing
A recent Canadian report has concluded that there is “no definitive link” between India and the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This finding contradicts earlier claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who alleged in September 2023 that there was credible evidence implicating Indian agents in Nijjar’s murder, which occurred in June 2023 outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia.
The report, titled Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, was released on January 29, 2025. It indicates that while there may have been disinformation campaigns following Trudeau’s accusations, no concrete evidence has been found linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s killing. Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue stated that disinformation can be used as a retaliatory tactic against decisions contrary to a state’s interests, suggesting that India might have engaged in such activities after the allegations were made.
The inquiry also touched on diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, which escalated following Trudeau’s statements. The report mentioned the expulsion of six Indian diplomats from Canada in October 2024, a move that was reciprocated by India. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed the allegations of interference and suggested that Canada itself has been interfering in India’s internal affairs.
This development marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding Nijjar’s death and highlights the complexities of international relations amid accusations of foreign interference.