The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, issued a categorical denial on Friday, rejecting claims of linking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to criminal activities within Canada.
In a statement released by Nathalie G. Drouin, the national security and intelligence advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, it was clarified that, “The government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate.”
The statement also referenced an earlier public announcement made by Canadian authorities on October 14, citing a “significant and ongoing threat to public safety” as the reason for accusing agents of the Indian government of criminal activities within Canada. This extraordinary step, according to the statement, was taken by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to safeguard public safety.
India Refutes Allegations
The denial from Trudeau’s administration came after the Indian government strongly condemned a report published by the Canada-based Globe and Mail newspaper. The report attempted to draw connections between the death of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the highest echelons of the Indian government, including Modi, Jaishankar, and Doval.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the report as a baseless smear campaign. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal remarked, “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.”
The controversy follows strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, with India recently calling out Canada for its alleged sheltering of Khalistani extremists. While Trudeau’s government has maintained its stance on prioritizing safety and human rights, India has accused Canada of failing to curb anti-India activities on its soil.
This latest development underscores the increasing complexities in India-Canada ties, which have seen heightened tensions since Trudeau’s controversial remarks on India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing earlier this year.