External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly criticized the Justin Trudeau administration for unjustly tarnishing India’s reputation regarding the fatal shooting of banned terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surry, British Columbia, in June 2023. Despite lacking any substantial evidence, three individuals—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—have been apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in connection with Nijjar’s murder, which seems to be linked to gang-related conflicts.
What exacerbates the situation is Prime Minister Trudeau’s unwarranted accusation against the Modi government in Parliament on September 18, 2023, alleging its involvement in the crime without presenting any concrete evidence or initiating legal proceedings. Speaking in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, EAM Jaishankar suggested that the controversy surrounding Nijjar’s death is rooted in internal minority politics ahead of elections in Canada and has no bearing on India’s actions. Trudeau’s minority government relies on the support of the New Democratic Party, led by Jagmeet Singh, who harbors anti-India sentiments and is associated with Khalistani interests.
Jaishankar further disclosed that India has requested the extradition of 25 individuals from the Canadian government, but these efforts have been met with silence from the Trudeau administration. Among those sought for extradition are terrorists, gangsters, and Khalistani extremists who have found sanctuary in Canada. The list includes notorious figures such as Lakhbir Singh, Satbir Singh, Parminder Singh Khaira, and others, hailing from various regions in Punjab.
Despite the extensive roster of criminals seeking refuge in Canada, authorities there have failed to act on India’s requests. These individuals are reportedly involved in organized crime, extortion, and targeted killings in northern India. Instead of addressing these concerns, the Trudeau government seems more inclined to pander to Khalistani sentiments for political gain, thereby neglecting its responsibilities to address transnational criminal activities.
In essence, India’s grievances with the Canadian government are centered on its failure to cooperate in extraditing criminals and its inclination to exploit the Nijjar case for electoral advantage, rather than addressing the real issues at hand.