India's High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has firmly rejected allegations connecting the Indian government to the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He made these statements during a televised interview on CBC News' "Power & Politics" program.
Patnaik Questions Lack of Evidence
Patnaik repeatedly demanded evidence to support the accusations. "Well, where is the evidence? Every time you keep on saying 'credible information'," the Indian envoy stated. He emphasized that accusations cannot stand without solid proof.
The Indian diplomat described the allegations as "preposterous and absurd." He added, "These are allegations which have not been backed by evidence. There's always easy-to-do acquisitions. Acquisitions are easy."
Focus on Legal Proceedings
Patnaik pointed out that the ongoing legal case in Canada does not implicate the Indian state. "You have accused us, but where have we been implicated? The case is going on in court... And the case in court is also against four individuals. Where is the case against a state?" he questioned.
He attributed the accusations to statements made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team. "It's a talk given by a former prime minister backed by his team at that time, which he had; they had to back it. Where is the evidence on the ground?" Patnaik asked.
India's Position on Evidence
Patnaik reiterated India's consistent position on the matter. "We can go into who said what. At the end of the day, it's about evidence on the ground," he said. He confirmed that India remains willing to act if credible proof emerges.
The envoy made a pointed remark about the framing of allegations. "When you accuse us, what happens here is my accusations need evidence. Your accusations don't need evidence, right?" he stated. He further explained, "You have accusations; you have to back it up with evidence. You can't say I accuse you, and you have to now justify yourselves."
Background of Strained Relations
These remarks come amid strained relations between India and Canada in recent years. Tensions have primarily arisen due to concerns over Canada's perceived leniency toward Khalistani separatist elements.
The situation escalated after Canada alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The incident occurred outside a gurdwara in Canada in 2023. India has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them "politically motivated."
Patnaik emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship despite these tensions. He noted that both countries need each other for various strategic and economic reasons. The diplomatic dialogue continues as both nations navigate this challenging period in their relations.
