Canada Accuses India Of Violent Acts On Canadian Soil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears as a witness at the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa, in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canada's national police force, the Royal Canadian Police (RCMP), publicly accused Indian diplomats of involvement in violent acts in Canada, including drive-by shootings, extortions, and murder. The RCMP identified India’s top diplomat and five others as persons of interest in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Trudeau emphasized that the RCMP's actions were driven by the need to disrupt activities posing a threat to public safety in Canada.

Trudeau stated that the Indian government's interference in Canadian affairs had led to a breakdown in bilateral relations. He highlighted that Indian diplomats were allegedly passing information about Canadians to the Indian government, which then shared it with organized crime, resulting in violence against Canadians. The RCMP Commissioner mentioned evidence linking Indian government agents to other homicides and violent acts in Canada, with over a dozen credible threats identified.

India has denied the allegations, calling them absurd and criticizing Canada for not providing evidence. The Indian government has been accused of violating Canada’s sovereignty by engaging in activities detrimental to Canadian security. The ongoing tensions have led to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

Top Indian diplomat and five others named as persons of interest in activist's killing.

RCMP accuses Indian diplomats of involvement in violent acts in Canada.

Trudeau emphasizes RCMP's actions driven by public safety concerns.

Indian government accused of passing information to organized crime resulting in violence.

India denies allegations, criticizes Canada for lack of evidence.

Tensions lead to expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

Canada refrained from public accusations to avoid disrupting G20 Summit.

Violence in Canada worsens since allegations surfaced.

British government urges India to cooperate with Canada's investigation.

Trudeau revealed that his government had refrained from making the allegations public earlier to avoid disrupting the G20 Summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite private discussions with Modi, India's lack of cooperation prompted Trudeau to disclose the accusations for public safety concerns.

Canada's foreign minister highlighted a worsening of violence in the country since the allegations surfaced. The British government urged India to cooperate with Canada's investigation, emphasizing the importance of legal processes. The U.S. State Department also called on India to collaborate with Canadian authorities in addressing the escalating violent crimes allegedly involving the Indian government.