TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) decided to reveal its findings regarding Indian diplomats due to a need to address serious violent crimes, including drive-by shootings and extortion in Canada. Trudeau emphasized that the move was essential to safeguarding the nation’s residents and preventing further violence.
The RCMP disclosed earlier this week that it had identified India’s top diplomat in Canada and five other diplomats as persons of interest linked to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in June 2023. The police force suggested that they had gathered evidence indicating a growing campaign of aggression by Indian agents against individuals in Canada.
“We are not trying to provoke a dispute with India,” Trudeau stated. “The Indian government seriously underestimated Canada’s commitment to maintaining its safety and sovereignty.” He emphasized the importance of responding firmly to ensure the protection of Canadian citizens.
The murder of Nijjar has severely impacted relations between Canada and India for more than a year. This week saw both countries expelling each other’s top diplomats amidst the allegations and various reported crimes occurring within Canadian borders. Trudeau noted his attempts to maintain a measured approach and mentioned that Canadian officials sought to share evidence with their Indian counterparts discreetly, but faced challenges in cooperative engagement.
“The RCMP’s decision to make the announcement was purely centered on public safety and aimed at interrupting a series of violent incidents, including home invasions, extortion, and murder within Canada,” Trudeau commented while attending a hearing of the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa.
Additionally, Trudeau alleged that Indian diplomats had been relaying information about Canadian individuals that ultimately reached the Indian government, which in turn disseminated it to organized crime groups, escalating violence against Canadians. “The RCMP determined that such activities needed to be interrupted,” he added.
On Monday, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed that police had gathered evidence suggesting connections between Indian government officials and other violent crimes in Canada. Although he refrained from providing detailed specifics due to ongoing investigations, he did note more than a dozen credible threats had prompted police to alert members of the South Asian community, especially those involved in the pro-Khalistan movement.
Trudeau asserted that India had infringed upon Canadian sovereignty, a claim that India has vehemently denied, labeling the accusations as unfounded. Indian officials have consistently criticized Trudeau’s administration for being lenient towards supporters of the Khalistan movement present in Canada. This movement is illegal in India, yet maintains support among segments of the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada.
Nijjar, who was 45 years old, was shot to death in his vehicle shortly after leaving a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. A Canadian citizen of Indian origin, he was a plumbing business owner and a prominent figure in the dwindling push for Sikh independence. Four Indian nationals residing in Canada have faced charges in connection with Nijjar’s murder and are currently awaiting trial.
Trudeau highlighted that his government opted against disclosing the allegations publicly during the G20 Summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2023. Instead, he raised his concerns privately with Modi. “It was a significant occasion for India, welcoming world leaders to a major global summit, so we chose to avoid making that moment uncomfortable for them by going public with these serious accusations,” Trudeau explained.
However, upon returning to Canada, he observed a media backlash from India, which targeted Canada following his diplomatic efforts. Subsequently, Trudeau made a statement in Parliament suggesting that the Indian government may have been involved in Nijjar’s assassination—prompted by impending media reports detailing potential Indian involvement in the event. He felt compelled to act, asserting that public safety was a primary concern.
Following these developments, Canada’s foreign minister indicated that instances of violence in the country had escalated. The British government has called for Indian cooperation in the ongoing investigation into these allegations, stating such cooperation is necessary for proper legal proceedings. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department echoed this sentiment, noting that the U.S. has long urged India to engage cooperatively with Canadian authorities in this matter.