Ottawa Distances Itself From Report: No Evidence Linking Modi To Violence

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada, which expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations they were involved in a plot against Sikh separatists, denied it had evidence Prime Minister Narendra Modi was linked to violence on Canadian soil.

The Canadian foreign ministry last month alleged Amit Shah, considered the number two in Modi’s government, was behind a campaign of intimidation in Canada. Ottawa says it has evidence linking Indian government agents to the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The Globe and Mail newspaper last week had said Canadian security agencies believed Modi knew about the violent plots and said Foreign Minister Jaishankar and national security adviser Ajit Doval were also in the loop.

Nathalie Drouin, intelligence adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, posted a statement of denial on a government website late on November 21 night.

“The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate,” she said.

Four Indian nationals have been charged in Nijjar’s killing.