The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has condemned Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's handling of allegations regarding the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a pointed statement, the MEA criticized Trudeau for his "cavalier attitude" after he admitted that he had only "intelligence-based speculation" and no solid evidence to support his claims against India.

India's foreign ministry asserted that Canada has failed to present any evidence backing its serious allegations, reinforcing its long-standing position. The MEA placed the blame for the deteriorating diplomatic relations squarely on Trudeau, stating that his behavior has significantly harmed India-Canada relations, which have been strained by mutual expulsions of diplomats in recent weeks.

October 16, 2024

Trudeau's remarks came during a parliamentary inquiry on foreign interference, where he characterized Indian representatives as attempting to silence critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in Canada. He acknowledged that while Canadian agencies had requested India to investigate the allegations, they only provided "intelligence" rather than "hard evidentiary proof." This ongoing diplomatic row highlights escalating tensions between the two nations, with both sides accusing each other of mishandling the situation.