Amid tensions between India and Canada since the murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canadian intelligence chief David Vigneault secretly visited India twice in February and March this year, PTI reported, to inform Indian authorities about the incident surrounding Nijjar's murder.
With India-Canada relations strained since the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada's intelligence chief David Vigneault made two secret visits to India in February and March this year (Bloomberg)
According to the report, Canada's intelligence chief shared information uncovered during Ottawa's investigation into Nijjar's murder. However, Canadian officials have not disclosed the content of the meetings that took place during Vigneault's visit to India. Notably, Canada has alleged that India was involved in Nijjar's murder. However, India has strongly denied any involvement and has asked Canada to provide evidence.
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“We can confirm that CSIS Director David Viñale visited India but cannot comment on the nature or content of the closed-door meetings,” a Canadian government official said.
“That said, since Canada learned of the credible allegations, it has consistently provided India with as much information as it could about the Nijhar incident through multiple channels, and this has also been noted in public documents by Prime Minister Trudeau and Canada's public security minister,” he added.
Canadian authorities have arrested four Indian nationals – Amandeep Singh, Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh and Karan Brar – for their alleged involvement in Nijjar's murder. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating the murder.
“From the beginning, Canada has prioritized ensuring truth and accountability, which is in both our countries' interests. In this regard, Canada continues to emphasize the importance of the ongoing independent investigation led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” a Canadian government official said.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed on June 18, 2023, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
