Sources in the Indian government have dismissed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent press conference as repetitive and lacking substance. “Canadian PM Trudeau’s press conference yesterday was the ‘same old Trudeau saying the same old things for the same old reasons” the sources said, criticising the Canadian government’s approach to its allegations against India.
Lack of Credible Evidence Cited by Indian Sources
According to these sources, Canada’s claims of providing credible evidence to India have been overstated. “The central assertion from all Canadian officials is that credible evidence has been presented to India. This was also repeated by their Chargé d’ Affairs ( Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler) to the press. This is simply not true. From the very beginning, the Canadian approach has been to make vague accusations and put the burden of denial on India.”
The sources also highlighted the lack of specific details shared during the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) press briefing. “At the RCMP press briefing, assertions were made about connections of certain individuals to India. In no case were any specifics provided. There was also talk about holding people accountable. But it was never made clear who and for what.”
They further criticised Canada’s sudden decision to target India’s High Commissioner, calling it “absurd.” “It is absurd that after intensively engaging the High Commissioner over the last year, the Canadian government now chooses to target him.”
Trudeau’s Allegations And Diplomatic Fallout
During his Monday press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian government agents of “engaging in clandestine information-gathering techniques, coercive behaviour targeting Canadians, and involvement in threatening and violent acts.”
These allegations follow Ottawa’s accusations linking Indian agents to the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.
In response, both countries have expelled six diplomats each in a tit-for-tat move, escalating tensions further.
Organised Crime Allegations
The RCMP, which is investigating Nijjar’s murder, has accused Indian agents of having ties to an organised crime group known as the “Bishnoi group.” India’s National Investigation Agency has described the Bishnoi group as a criminal gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who faces over 40 charges, including murder and extortion. Bishnoi’s lawyer contests these accusations, noting that trial is yet to begin.
