Trudeau's Allegations Over Nijjar's Killing Based On Surveillance Of Indian Diplomats In Canada And Ally's Intel, Claims Report

The allegation of India's involvement in the killing is reportedly based on surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, as well as intelligence provided by a major ally, The Associated Press reported citing a Canadian official.

According to the official, the communications involved Indian officials and Indian diplomats in Canada.

Some of the intelligence was provided by a member of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the US, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, in addition to Canada.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not disclose which ally provided the intelligence or provide specific details about the content of the communications or how they were obtained.

Earlier on 21 September, India suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff.

This move came as the relationship between the two countries deteriorated due to Canada's accusation that India may have been involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, in Vancouver in June.

Trudeau claimed the existence of "credible allegations" regarding India's involvement in the assassination, further straining the relationship between the two nations.

However, India has strongly denied the allegations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated".

Nijjar had been wanted by India for several years before he was fatally shot outside the Gurdwara he led in Surrey.

Canada has yet to provide public evidence to back Trudeau's allegations, and Canada's UN ambassador, Bob Rae, indicated that might not come soon.

According to Rae, it is still early in the investigation and the facts will gradually come to light as justice is pursued.