India and Canada’s diplomatic relations have been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Khalistani separatist. India has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them “absurd” and politically motivated. The row intensified when Canada reportedly named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a “person of interest” in its investigation into Nijjar’s death, a claim India dismissed as “preposterous” and “without evidence.”
In a strongly worded statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned Canada for maligning its diplomats, accusing the Trudeau government of using baseless accusations to pander to pro-Khalistan elements for political gains. India highlighted its repeated requests for evidence to support Trudeau’s claims, none of which have been provided by the Canadian government
Relations between the two countries have been tense for years, worsened by Canada’s leniency toward the pro-Khalistan movement, which India views as a threat to its sovereignty. Indian officials have consistently raised concerns about the activities of Khalistani extremists in Canada, accusing Ottawa of failing to act against individuals who advocate violence and separatism. India has also pointed out the growing nexus between Khalistani elements and organized crime, warning that this poses a threat not only to India but also to Canada.
Despite attempts to mend ties, the conflict persists, with India making it clear that any improvement in relations hinges on Canada’s willingness to crack down on pro-Khalistan forces operating freely within its borders. Canadian officials, meanwhile, continue to express frustration over India’s non-cooperation in the investigation into Nijjar’s death, keeping tensions high between the two nations.
