India-Canada ties: S Jaishankar requests credible evidence from Canada to support claims on India link in Nijjar killing

India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions:  Amid the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada and during a conversation with journalist Lionel Barber on Wednesday,  External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has requested evidence from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to support the claims  of India's involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

Jaishankar emphasised the importance of credible evidence. When asked if there was any evidence of the Indian government's involvement in the killing, the EAM categorically stated, "None."

Meanwhile, Jaishankar also discussed the tensions between India and Canada with the Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, urging the Canadian government to share any evidence they may have. 

S. Jaishankar highlighted India's willingness to consider an investigation but emphasised that no evidence has been provided thus far.

Jaishankar further added that India is not ruling out any investigation and looking at anything which they may have to offer. They haven't done so. 

Highlighting the attacks on Indian diplomats, EAM added, "We've had attacks on the High Commission, smoke bombs thrown at the High Commission. My Consul general and other diplomats were intimidated in public, on record, with no action taken by those who did know. This is a country where there is a previous history.”

Further emphasising on freedom of speech and expression, Jaishankar said, "But freedom of speech and freedom of expression also comes with a certain responsibility. And the misuse of those freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political purposes would be, to our mind, very wrong."

It is to be noted that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau introduced a fresh sour note in bilateral ties with India amid the continuing diplomatic standoff, affirming his earlier claim of Indian involvement in assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India rejected the allegations as "absurd and motivated" and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa asked a senior Indian diplomat to leave.

Last month, Canada pulled out 41 diplomats from India and also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates in the wake of the Union government's decision to strip them of their immunity.

Notably, Canada has not been able to present any evidence to back its claims over the killing. 

- With inputs from agencies

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