New Delhi: India has firmly rejected claims made by Canadian media linking the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to these reports by stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unaware of any alleged plot to assassinate Nijjar. The MEA called such reports "smear campaigns" that only damage the already strained relations between India and Canada. They urged the public to dismiss these allegations with the "contempt they deserve."

"We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties," a statement by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday said.

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Canadian media's alleged link between India and Nijjar's death

The controversy began with a report in The Globe and Mail, a Canadian news outlet, which suggested a connection between the Indian government and the murder of Nijjar. The report also claimed that India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, were aware of the plot to kill Nijjar. However, India strongly denied these accusations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated."

Tensions between India and Canada continue to escalate

Relations between India and Canada have worsened in recent months. India has repeatedly expressed concerns about the rise of extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging the Canadian government to take action against such elements. Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, had earlier claimed there were "credible allegations" linking India to Nijjar's killing, further escalating tensions.

India has been vocal in rejecting all allegations from Canada, accusing Ottawa of providing a platform for extremist groups. The Indian government has categorically denied any involvement in Nijjar's death, calling the claims baseless.

Diplomatic strain: India recalls diplomats

In response to Canada’s allegations, India recalled six diplomats from Canada earlier this month after they were named "persons of interest" in the investigation. Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year.

Following Canada’s accusations, India expelled Canadian Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats. In retaliation, the Canadian government expelled Indian diplomats, marking a significant downturn in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

As the situation unfolds, tensions remain high between India and Canada, with both nations continuing to accuse each other of harbouring extremism.

Agency