The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated on the ongoing India-Canada dispute, “No specific information was shared by Canada on this case (Nijjar case). We are willing to look at specific information. From our side, specific information regarding criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil was shared but has not been acted upon,”.
The case involving Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader of the Sikh separatist movement and head of the Khalistan Tiger Force, has been a source of tension between India and Canada. Nijjar was killed by unknown assailants at a temple in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on India to seriously investigate his assertion that he has reliable information linking New Delhi to the murder. India, however, has categorically rejected these allegations, describing them as “baseless and politically motivated”.
India has stated its readiness to examine any specific information that Canada may provide about this case. Conversely, India has provided specific information about criminal activities by individuals residing in Canada, but alleges that this information has not been acted upon.
This incident has sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two nations, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both sides. The death of Nijjar has sent shockwaves through the Sikh community in Canada, which is one of the largest outside India with over 770,000 members. The case is still under investigation.