India Protests Canada's Inclusion of Diplomats in Nijjar Case Investigation

India has summoned Canada's Charge d'Affaires following Canada's designation of Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in the Nijjar case. The MEA criticized Canada's inaction on evidence sharing and its leniency toward Khalistani extremism, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned Canada's Charge d'Affaires following Ottawa's decision to include the Indian high commissioner and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in the investigation into the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This diplomatic row escalates tensions between the two nations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously alleged potential Indian government involvement in Nijjar's murder, which occurred on June 8, 2023.

The MEA is expected to express strong discontent over Canada’s actions, which it labels as "preposterous imputations." Officials are set to meet to address the accusations and the broader implications for bilateral relations. India firmly rejects the claims and attributes them to the Trudeau administration’s "political agenda," which the Indian government believes is driven by electoral motivations.

Despite repeated requests, the Canadian government has not provided India with any evidence to support its allegations, leaving Indian officials frustrated. The MEA criticized Canada for its "soft stance" on Khalistani extremism, arguing that it has allowed violent groups to operate freely, posing threats to Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.

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Indian officials pointed out that these extremists have been granted a platform under the guise of free speech, even while death threats against Indian officials persist. The statement highlighted concerns over Canada fast-tracking citizenship for individuals who entered the country illegally and ignoring multiple extradition requests from India related to terrorism and organized crime.