New Delhi: Canada has informed India about the arrests of three Indian nationals in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, but neither of them have yet sought consular access, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday (May 9).
Last Friday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced that they had taken into custody three Indians, who they believed to be part of a gang of hitmen who killed Nijjar, whom India had proscribed as a Khalistani terrorist.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had in September 2023 accused Indian government agents of being involved in Nijjar’s killing, which was indignantly denied by India, triggering a downslide in bilateral relations.
Following the arrests, Canada’s foreign minister Mélanie Joly reiterated that Ottawa stood behind the allegation that Indian agents were involved in the killing.
“Canada has informed us about the arrests,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at the weekly media briefing.
When asked if India had sought consular access, he explained that in some countries, the norm was that the accused who was in custody had to tell the authorities that they wanted to meet with embassy officials. So far, the three men have not sought any consular access.
The MEA spokesperson also reiterated that “no specific or relevant evidence or information has been shared by the Canadian authorities till date” about India’s involvement in the killing of Nijjar.
“You will, therefore, understand our view that the matter is being pre-judged. Obviously, there are political interests at work,” said Jaiwal.
Noting that Indian diplomats in Canada have been routinely threatened, he reiterated New Delhi’s long-held stance that Canada has given a safe space for “separatists, extremists, and those advocating violence”.
“We have also pointed to the Canadian authorities that figures associated with organised crime with links with India have been allowed entry and residency in Canada. Many of our extradition requests are pending. We are having discussions at the diplomatic level on all these matters,” he added.
