'Ludicrous...': India slams Canadian report on Nijjar murder plot
What's the story
India has vehemently rejected a Canadian media report claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew of a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Globe and Mail's report cited unnamed Canadian officials claiming India's national security advisor and external affairs minister were also aware of it.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called these allegations a "smear campaign" and the statements "ludicrous," deserving to be "dismissed with the contempt they deserve."
Strained relations
Diplomatic tensions escalate over Nijjar's murder
The allegations have further strained India-Canada ties, which have been deteriorating since Nijjar's murder in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had earlier accused Delhi's agents of involvement in the killing, claiming "credible information" was shared with intelligence partners, including the US.
Last month, Canada linked Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats to the murder, resulting in their expulsion from Canada.
Tit-for-tat response
India retaliates, expels Canadian diplomats
In retaliation to Canada's expulsion of Indian diplomats, India expelled Canadian Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.
India has consistently denied any involvement in Nijjar's killing and criticized Canada's actions as "preposterous."
New Delhi accused the Trudeau government of pursuing a political agenda without providing evidence to support its allegations against Indian government agents.
Unsubstantiated claims
Nijjar's background and India's stance on allegations
Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and head of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was declared a terrorist by India for several offenses, including the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a reward for information leading to his arrest.
Despite Canada's allegations, India insists no evidence has been provided linking its government to Nijjar's assassination.