Canadian Inquiry Clears India in Nijjar Killing, but Cites Disinformation Campaign
OTTAWA – A highly anticipated public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada has concluded that there is "no definitive link to a foreign state" in the assassination of prominent pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This finding directly contradicts earlier allegations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who publicly suggested Indian government involvement in the June 2023 killing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations. While the inquiry absolved India of direct involvement in the assassination, it did accuse the Indian government of orchestrating a "disinformation campaign" in response to Trudeau’s accusations. This revelation further complicates the already strained relationship between Canada and India and raises questions about the ongoing diplomatic fallout.
The comprehensive report, titled ‘Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions’, was overseen by Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue. It meticulously examined allegations of foreign interference, including the Nijjar assassination and alleged attempts to influence Canadian elections. The report explicitly states that the disinformation campaign launched by India was likely a retaliatory measure aimed at punishing Canada for Trudeau’s public pronouncements implicating India in Nijjar’s death. This conclusion, while acknowledging the disinformation campaign, carefully reiterates the lack of concrete evidence linking India directly to the assassination itself.
The inquiry’s findings inject a new layer of complexity into the already tense diplomatic landscape between Canada and India. Trudeau’s initial allegations, made shortly after Nijjar’s death, sent shockwaves through the international community and sparked a diplomatic firestorm. India vehemently denied any involvement in the killing, characterizing Trudeau’s accusations as a "smear campaign" designed to damage bilateral relations. The Indian government summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to lodge a formal protest and warned of further deterioration in the already strained ties between the two countries.
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent figure within the Sikh separatist movement, unfolded on June 18, 2023. Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, sending shockwaves through the Sikh community in Canada and around the world. The killing immediately ignited speculation about potential motives and perpetrators, with some pointing fingers at the Indian government due to Nijjar’s advocacy for an independent Sikh state of Khalistan. This suspicion was further fueled by India’s prior designation of Nijjar as a terrorist.
The repercussions of Trudeau’s allegations were swift and far-reaching. In October 2023, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, labeling them "agents" involved in a “campaign of violence.” Canadian police claimed to possess evidence supporting these allegations, although the specific nature of the evidence has not been publicly disclosed. India responded in kind, expelling a similar number of Canadian diplomats and issuing strong condemnations of what it called Canada’s baseless accusations.
The public inquiry’s report, while seemingly clearing India of direct involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, underscores the delicate balance between national security concerns and the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations. The finding of a disinformation campaign attributed to India introduces a new dimension to the ongoing diplomatic tension, raising questions about the nature and extent of India’s efforts to influence public opinion and potentially retaliate against perceived slights. The report’s conclusions necessitate a careful recalibration of the relationship between Canada and India, demanding both countries to address the underlying issues of mistrust and conflicting narratives while seeking avenues for constructive dialogue and cooperation. The report also serves as a stark reminder of the increasing complexities and challenges posed by foreign interference in domestic affairs, an issue that demands ongoing vigilance and robust countermeasures. Moving forward, both Canada and India must navigate these challenges with prudence and a commitment to upholding the principles of international law and diplomacy.