NEW YORK: India’s Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, has expressed India’s willingness to investigate any “specific” information provided by Canada regarding the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This statement comes in response to recent tensions stemming from Canada’s investigation into “credible allegations” linking the Indian state to the murder, a claim India has labeled as “absurd.”
Jaishankar clarified that the Indian government conveyed to Canada that extrajudicial killings are not part of India’s policy and offered to look into any “relevant” allegations while maintaining that Delhi had no involvement in the murder.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead outside a temple in British Columbia in June. India had designated him a terrorist in 2020, a charge his supporters vehemently deny.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted India’s provision of information to Canada regarding organized crime and leadership related to secessionist forces operating from the country. He pointed out the complexity of the situation, citing a mix of organized crime, violence, extremism, and extradition requests involving secessionist forces.
The dispute between the two nations escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada’s intelligence agencies were investigating whether “agents of the government of India” were involved in Nijjar’s murder.
The United States expressed support for a “full and fair investigation” into Canada’s allegations and urged the Indian government to cooperate with it.
The tensions have resulted in the expulsion of diplomats and the suspension of visa services between India and Canada.
The situation remains complex, with both countries seeking a resolution while addressing the serious allegations and implications surrounding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
