Canada Clears India of Involvement in Nijjar Killing; US Charges Gangsters with Murder
In a significant diplomatic development, Canada has officially stated that it has found no evidence linking the Indian government to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist. This marks a shift from earlier claims made by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who had alleged potential involvement of Indian agents.
Nijjar, 45, was the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and the head of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, British Columbia. He had been a Canadian resident since 1997, married with two sons. His murder in June 2023 outside a gurdwara had strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
Canadian authorities confirmed on Wednesday that their investigation did not support the initial allegations against India. The statement comes nearly two years after Trudeau’s accusation, which India had steadfastly denied as baseless. The development is expected to ease tensions and pave the way for improved bilateral ties.
Separately, the United States has charged Indian gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with orchestrating Nijjar’s assassination. The FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Brar’s arrest. Bishnoi is already in Indian custody on other charges, while Brar is believed to be overseas.
The charges detail a conspiracy involving criminal networks operating across borders. However, US authorities have not alleged any direct role by the Indian state. The case highlights the complex interplay of organised crime and separatist movements in the diaspora.
India has consistently maintained that it does not engage in extrajudicial actions abroad. The latest findings by Canada support this position, reinforcing the need for evidence-based diplomacy. Both nations have expressed willingness to rebuild trust and co-operate on shared security concerns.
