Canada Ignored India's Request For Information On Khalistani Terrorist Killing, Made Public Allegations Instead: EAM S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has revealed that Canada dismissed India's request for information and instead publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 in an interview with NDTV.

The diplomatic row ensued when Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that Nijjar was allegedly shot dead by "Indian government agents" outside a gurdwara in Surrey city.

Jaishankar has attributed Canada's recent behaviour towards India to the presence of extremist elements in its politics, stating, "Canada, for some years, has been giving space to extremists and terrorists in their politics. I believe this is a weakness in their politics."

He further stated, "Their Prime Minister made an allegation against us in public. Before that, both Prime Ministers met, and I was also there. Our position then was that if there is anything in your mind that's worrying you, any information you got, please tell us. Even if you don't want to tell us everything, at least say something, so that we can investigate from our side."

The EAM further added, "They did not share anything, but made allegations in public. In comparison, see the example of the US. The US told us that they have some information about criminals, and they will give us some information to look into from our side, and we will compare the information, investigate the matter."

Highlighting the difference in political approaches, Jaishankar also noted that separatism, extremism, and violence have found a place in Canada's politics.

India had rejected Trudeau's allegations, labeling them "absurd," and criticised Canada for not sharing specific information regarding its charges.