Ottawa denies it has evidence linking India’s PM Modi to violence in Canada

OTTAWA - Canada, which expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations that they were involved in a plot against Sikh separatists, denied it had evidence Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was linked to violence on its soil.

The Canadian Foreign Ministry in October alleged that Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah, considered the No. 2 in Mr Modi’s government, was behind a campaign of intimidation in Canada.

Ottawa says it has evidence linking Indian government agents to

the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar

in Canada.

This week, The Globe and Mail newspaper said Canadian security agencies believed Mr Modi knew about the violent plots and said Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and national security adviser Ajit Doval were also in the loop.

Ms Nathalie Drouin, intelligence adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, posted a statement of denial on a government website late on the night of Nov 21.

“The government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar or (national security adviser) Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate,” she said.

Four Indian nationals have been charged

in Mr Nijjar’s killing. India rejects any suggestion its agents were involved in violence against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.

Canada is home to the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab and demonstrations in favour of a separate homeland carved out of India have irked New Delhi.

India calls the separatists “terrorists” who it says are threats to its security. REUTERS