Canada Report Finds No Proof of India’s Role In Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's Killing

A Canadian commission report has found "no definitive link" between a foreign state and the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, contradicting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination.

The report, titled "Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions," was released on Tuesday. Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue stated that disinformation is often used as a retaliatory tactic when state interests are challenged. The report suggested that India may have spread disinformation following Trudeau's allegations, though it confirmed that no foreign involvement was proven.

"This may have been the case with a disinformation campaign that followed the Prime Minister's announcement regarding suspected Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (though again no definitive link to a foreign state could be proven)," the report said.

Diplomatic Fallout & Expulsions

The 123-page report also highlighted diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. In October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, accusing them of involvement in activities targeting Canadian citizens. India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats and withdrawing its high commissioner.

The India-Canada relationship has been under strain since September 2023, when Trudeau accused India of "potential involvement" in Nijjar's killing. New Delhi dismissed the allegations as "absurd."

India's Response

India has consistently criticized Trudeau's government for being lenient toward Khalistan supporters in Canada. While the Khalistan movement is banned in India, it has backing from some members of the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada.

On Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly rejected the insinuations in the Canadian report, arguing that Canada itself has been interfering in India's internal affairs.

Nijjar, designated as a terrorist in 2020, was killed outside a gurdwara in Canada's Surrey on June 18, 2023. Initially, the murder was attributed to a gang war, but later Canada accused India of involving in his assassination.

Earlier this month, the four Indian nationals accused of killing Nijjar was granted bail by a court in Canada. The accused are identified as Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh.