Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified at the foreign interference inquiry about India’s rejected opportunities to avoid a diplomatic crisis after intelligence linked it to the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder in British Columbia. Despite repeated attempts to work with India on the investigation, the Indian government instead chose to attack Canada and denied any involvement without providing evidence to refute the allegations. The strained relationship between the two countries escalated, with India placing the blame on Prime Minister Trudeau for the damage caused to India-Canada relations.
Trudeau explained that the involvement of India in Nijjar’s assassination emerged in late July to early August, prompting Canada to reach out to Indian officials to address the findings. Despite efforts to handle the situation discreetly and cooperate with India, the Indian government was uncooperative, only seeking information on Canada’s intelligence. Trudeau also personally discussed the matter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in September 2023, emphasizing the need for cooperation and expressing concerns about India’s behavior.
With India’s continued refusal to address the allegations and cooperate with investigations, Trudeau decided to go public with the information in late September 2023. This move was intended to ensure public safety in Canada and demonstrate the seriousness with which Canadian institutions were approaching the threat. India responded to Trudeau’s statement with further attacks and denials, further straining the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Indian government also expelled Canadian diplomats as a reprisal and did not engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.
Despite not wanting to escalate tensions with India, Trudeau emphasized the need to stand up for Canadian security and sovereignty in the face of India’s violations. Efforts to secure India’s cooperation continued, with Canadian officials requesting the lifting of immunity on six diplomats identified as persons of interest in investigations. However, India declined and accused Trudeau of political motivations, while law enforcement uncovered evidence of India’s involvement in criminal activities in Canada. These actions included coercing Canadians into spying, recruiting informants, and planning violent attacks against Modi’s opponents.
In response to questions about whether the violence in Canada was authorized and directed by members of the Indian government, Trudeau stressed the importance of investigating whether the attacks were carried out by rogue elements or part of a systematic endeavor by the government. Canadian investigators sought cooperation from India to uncover the internal workings that led to the violations of Canadian sovereignty. Throughout the inquiry, Trudeau reiterated the importance of holding India accountable for its actions and working together to address the serious allegations of foreign interference, violence, and security threats.
