India Rejects Canadian Media Claims on Nijjar Killing, Cites ‘Smear Campaign’ and Strained Ties

New Delhi, November 21: India has strongly refuted allegations made in Canadian media linking the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, urging the public to dismiss such reports with “the contempt they deserve.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal denounced the claims as baseless and harmful to the already fragile relationship between India and Canada.

“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,” Jaiswal said.

Deteriorating India-Canada Relations

The controversy follows a report by The Globe and Mail, a Canadian publication, which alleged a connection between India and the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an NIA-designated terrorist. Nijjar was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year.

India has repeatedly denied these allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.” The Indian government has also criticized Canada for allowing extremist and anti-India activities to flourish within its borders.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously claimed that his government possessed “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India, in response, dismissed these assertions and accused Canada of providing a haven for separatist elements and fostering a culture of violence.

Diplomatic Fallout

Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent months. Earlier this month, India recalled six of its diplomats from Canada after the Canadian government declared them “persons of interest” in their ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s killing.

India has consistently voiced concerns over the growing influence of Khalistani extremism in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to take decisive action against such activities.

The MEA’s latest statement underscores India’s frustration with what it views as unsubstantiated claims that harm diplomatic efforts and exacerbate tensions between the two nations.