Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged India to cooperate with an investigation into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Canada. Trudeau made this call during a press conference in New York on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting.
Trudeau’s statement came after Ottawa revealed it had credible allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder, which occurred in June. Nijjar, a 45-year-old Canadian citizen, was a prominent figure in the Sikh separatist movement.
The Canadian government has reportedly collected both human and signals intelligence during a months-long investigation into the murder. According to CBC News, no Indian officials have denied the allegations of Indian government involvement when pressed behind closed doors. Some of the intelligence was allegedly provided by an unidentified ally in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The United States has also become involved in the matter, with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirming that Washington is in touch with both Canada and India regarding Ottawa’s allegations. This marks the first acknowledgment of US involvement in discussions between the two countries.
US President Joe Biden and members of the Five Eyes reportedly raised the issue of Nijjar’s murder with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit earlier this month.
India has responded to these developments by suspending new visas for Canadians and asking Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country. Trudeau did not provide a response when asked about these measures.
Nijjar, who supported the creation of an independent Khalistani state for Sikhs, was designated as a “terrorist” by India in July 2020. When questioned about when Canada would release the evidence it had, Trudeau emphasized the importance of allowing the justice process to unfold with integrity.
In the midst of these tensions, an Indian trade official suggested that Canadian pension funds should not withdraw their investments in India, emphasizing the ongoing economic relationship between the two nations.
