India has sought proof from Canada regarding its allegations of Indian link with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a report by Hindustan Times stated.
India has stated that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cannot levy unsubstantiated accusations against the Modi government without providing evidence, nor can he issue political directives to investigative agencies to target alleged wrongdoers.
According to the HT report, Indian position was conveyed to top security officials and diplomats of Justin Trudeau government in a third country on Saturday. This comes amid reports of discrepancies between the allegations of the Canadian PM and the investigating agency, RCMP, which is still investigating the case of murder of Khalistan Tiger Force terrorist on 18 June 2023.
India also made it clear that it is a crime in law to give political directions to investigative agencies.
On October 11, Trudeau virtually ambushed PM Modi as he was walking from the lounge to the dining venue at the ASEAN summit.
While the Canadian media said Trudeau had a brief exchange with PM Modi, HT report stated that the Indian leader virtually told him that it was “not the time and place” for discussion.
The two leaders did not even shake hands, making the nature of their talk more evident.
According to media reports, Trudeau is targeting India for his Khalistani vote bank politics with an eye towards general elections next year.
India had later issued a detailed statement on the “brief exchange”, and said no substantive discussion took place.
According to the HT report, Trudeau deliberately confronted PM Modi at ASEAN, eyeing his appearance before the public inquiry into foreign interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions on October 16.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly already appeared before the commission and made public Canada's intention to nail the Modi government "at any cost".
The Canadian Public Safety Minister is also slated to appear before the Commission on October 15.
Senior Indian officials, as quoted by HT, said that since India has nothing to hide, the Trudeau government must explain its reasons for defaming the country.
The meeting of top security and diplomatic officials was set up in a third country.
HT learnt that Canadian National Security Advisor Nathalie G Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison also attended the Saturday meeting.
