Justin Trudeau govt denies linking PM Narendra Modi
New Delhi: The Canadian government has officially denied any connection between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister S. Jaishankar, and criminal activities occurring within Canada. Nathalie G. Drouin, the national security and intelligence advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, stated, “The government of Canada has not indicated, nor is it aware of any evidence linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to serious criminal activities in Canada.”
She further remarked that any contrary assertions are speculative and inaccurate. On October 14, due to a “significant and ongoing threat to public safety,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other officials took the unprecedented step of publicly accusing agents of the Government of India of serious criminal activities within Canada.
This statement follows India’s strong rebuttal on November 20 against a report from the Globe and Mail, which sought to connect the death of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar to PM Modi, S. Jaishankar, and Ajit Doval. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India urged that such claims be dismissed with the “contempt they deserve,” emphasizing that these “smear campaigns” only exacerbate the already strained relations between the two nations.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal stated, “We do not typically comment on media reports. However, such absurd statements attributed to a Canadian government source should be treated with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.” The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has significantly deteriorated, with India expressing ongoing concerns regarding extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to take appropriate action. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has claimed to possess “credible allegations” regarding India’s involvement in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist.
India has rejected all accusations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated,” while also alleging that Canada is providing a platform for extremist and anti-India factions within its borders. Previously, India withdrew six diplomats from Canada after the Canadian government identified them as “persons of interest” in the inquiry concerning the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was fatally shot outside the Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 of the previous year.
