India Rejects Report Linking Officials to Nijjar Killing

India on Monday firmly rejected a Canadian media report that alleged links between two Indian officials and the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The report, published by The Globe and Mail, cited unnamed national security and law enforcement sources and claimed that two officials previously posted at India’s consulate in Vancouver were allegedly involved in the incident.

India Calls Allegations ‘Baseless’

Addressing a media briefing, P Kumaran, secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry, said India “categorically rejects allegations of involvement in trans-national violence or organised crime.”

He described the claims as “baseless, politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence,” adding that India has repeatedly sought substantiation of such accusations.

Kumaran said sensitive matters currently under judicial consideration should be allowed to proceed through established legal processes without public commentary.

Case in Judicial Process

According to Indian officials, the criminal investigation into Nijjar’s killing is moving through Canada’s legal system and has entered the pre-trial stage.

India has maintained that it respects the judicial process and believes that law enforcement mechanisms should address such issues rather than media narratives.

Officials Named in Report

The Canadian newspaper report named Kanwaljit Singh, a former visa officer, and Manish, who previously served as consul general in Vancouver and is now posted as India’s envoy to Cyprus.

Singh was among six Indian officials expelled by Canada in October 2024 over alleged involvement in violent activities, according to Canadian authorities.

The report further alleged that information gathered by the officials was transmitted to individuals accused of organising the killing. India has not accepted these claims.

Wider Diplomatic Context

Relations between India and Canada deteriorated after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September 2023 that there were “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s death. India had dismissed those remarks as “absurd” and “motivated.”

In recent weeks, diplomatic engagement has continued. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and both sides agreed to advance cooperation on security and law enforcement issues.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also visited Ottawa last month for discussions.

India’s Position

India has stated that if any evidence is shared through appropriate channels, it is prepared to examine it. Officials have reiterated that if wrongdoing by any individual within the Indian establishment is proven, action would be taken.

For now, New Delhi maintains that allegations linking Indian officials to Nijjar’s killing lack credible evidence and should be addressed within the framework of judicial proceedings.