Canada drops India link to violent crimes ahead of PM Carney's visit
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Ottawa: A senior Canadian official said Wednesday that India is no longer connected to alleged violent crimes in Canada, citing "robust diplomatic engagement" ahead of PM Mark Carney's Friday visit to India.
The unnamed official told Global News and Toronto Star: "I really don’t think we’d be taking this trip if we thought these kind[s] of activities would continue." Discussions between national security advisers have assured Ottawa the issues have stopped.
Relations thawed after 2023 tensions sparked by then-PM Justin Trudeau's claim of "credible allegations" linking Indian agents to Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder. India denied it. Four Indian citizens face first-degree murder and conspiracy charges; trial not before August.
Recent moves include Canada withholding sensitive Nijjar case evidence from open court (Feb 19) to protect ties, and a Feb 8 security cooperation plan.
A Jan 2025 inquiry alleged Indian election interference (rejected by India); CSIS warned of meddling by India, China, Russia, Pakistan in April 2025 polls; July report called India a foreign interference perpetrator.
New Delhi countered that Canada interferes in its affairs.