India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations connecting the Indian government with the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He firmly questioned the absence of evidence supporting these claims.
Patnaik Challenges Trudeau's Accusations
During a televised interview on CBC News' Power & Politics, Patnaik addressed allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He repeatedly emphasized that such accusations cannot stand without solid proof.
"Well, where is the evidence? Every time you keep on saying 'credible information'," Patnaik stated clearly. "We have always said it's preposterous and absurd; it's something we don't do. These are allegations which have not been backed by evidence."
Legal Proceedings and Government Involvement
Patnaik pointed out that ongoing legal proceedings in Canada do not implicate India directly. He stressed that the allegations stem from statements by the former prime minister and his associates rather than factual evidence.
He noted that the court case involves four individuals, not a government entity. Patnaik challenged critics to show any proof linking India as a state to the killing.
"We can go into who said what. At the end of the day, it's about evidence on the ground," Patnaik asserted, reiterating India's consistent position.
India's Stance on Evidence and Action
Patnaik clarified India's readiness to act if credible proof emerges. "We have said very clearly, if there is evidence ever coming out, if you provide us evidence, we will take action ourselves. We don't need you to take action on that," he explained.
He added, "What we need is for you to give us evidence for us to take action. You have accusations; you have to back it up with evidence. You can't say I accuse you, and you have to now justify yourselves."
Background of Strained Relations
These remarks come amid increasingly tense India-Canada relations in recent years. New Delhi has expressed concerns about Ottawa's perceived leniency toward Khalistani separatist elements.
Ties have worsened following Canada's allegations that Indian agents participated in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada. India has consistently denied these allegations, labeling them "politically motivated."
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagement
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to visit India in the coming weeks. Both countries aim to diversify their trading partners amid US President Donald Trump's trade war.
The visit follows a commitment by both leaders to start negotiations on a new trade pact. They announced the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement during their meeting at the G20 Summit in South Africa last November.
