Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of violating Canada’s sovereignty, as diplomatic tensions escalate over the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. Speaking at a parliamentary inquiry on foreign interference, Trudeau reiterated that national police had uncovered evidence of Indian government involvement in Nijjar's assassination and other acts of violence targeting critics of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Canadian soil.

Nijjar, an advocate for an independent Sikh state, was shot dead in the parking lot of a Sikh temple in Vancouver in June 2023. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed earlier this week that violence and intimidation faced by Canadians, particularly within the South Asian community, had been enabled or directed by the Indian government. Trudeau pointed to “clear indications” of Indian involvement in orchestrating drive-by shootings, extortion, and murder in Canada, all aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Trudeau further detailed how Indian diplomats allegedly collected information on Canadian critics of Modi’s government and passed it to criminal organizations like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is accused of playing a role in Nijjar's death. This, according to the RCMP, was part of a larger campaign of intimidation.

In response to Ottawa’s allegations, India has called the claims "preposterous" and accused Trudeau of using the issue for political gain, particularly with the large Sikh diaspora in Canada. Trudeau also mentioned his discussions with Modi during the 2023 G-20 summit, where Modi expressed a desire to see certain critics of India in Canada arrested.

Tensions have escalated with both nations expelling each other’s diplomats earlier this week, further deteriorating relations. Despite the growing rift, Trudeau emphasized that Canada does not seek conflict with India, a significant trade partner. However, he insisted that violations of Canadian sovereignty and threats to public safety must be addressed.

India, for its part, has denied all allegations, and this week’s diplomatic expulsions come after a series of escalating measures between the two nations, including India curbing visas for Canadians last year.

The case has left Canada grappling with the implications of foreign interference within its borders, as the investigation into Nijjar’s killing continues.