Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged during a public inquiry that Canada lacked solid proof linking India to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. He stated that the information shared with India was based on intelligence, not concrete evidence. This revelation came after Trudeau’s earlier accusations sparked diplomatic tensions, with India firmly rejecting the claims as baseless. The ongoing controversy has led to strained relations between the two countries, including reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.

The assassination of Nijjar, who was shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, had sparked a political uproar when Trudeau first pointed fingers at India, alleging potential involvement by Indian officials. However, in his testimony, Trudeau clarified that while intelligence suggested a possible link, there was no definitive evidence to back the claims. He noted that some Canadian MPs had speculated on India’s involvement early on, but it was initially considered a gang-related issue, possibly connected to criminal organizations like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

India has consistently dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and has pushed back against Canada’s assertions, straining diplomatic ties between the two nations. Following Trudeau’s allegations in 2023, both countries engaged in a series of retaliatory measures, including the expulsion of diplomats.

As the inquiry unfolds, Trudeau’s statements are likely to further complicate the diplomatic fallout, with questions arising about the strength of the evidence behind Canada’s initial accusations.