I need to be careful about further commentary: Canadian PM Mark Carney on Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday said he must be "careful" while commenting further on the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case. The comment post bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Canada for the G7 Summit.

Carney was asked if the two leaders discussed about Nijjar. He replied, "We discussed the importance of having the law enforcement dialogue, not just dialogue, cooperation directly, the importance of addressing transnational repression... There is a judicial process that's underway, and I need to be careful about further commentary."

Tensions between India and Canada have risen since 2023, when former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claimed his government had "credible allegations" linking Indian agents to the killing of Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.


Nijjar, a terrorist designated by National Investigation Agency (NIA), was shot dead outside a gurdwara on June 18, 2023.

However, India strongly denied the allegations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated," and accused Canada of allowing extremist and anti-India activities to grow unchecked.

Further, India recalled six diplomats after Canada listed them as "persons of interest" in the Nijjar investigation. India also accused Canada of violating the Vienna Convention by placing Indian diplomats under surveillance, and lodged a formal protest.

On Tuesday, both countries agreed to restore full diplomatic relations. Modi and Carney reaffirmed the importance of India-Canada ties, based on mutual respect, rule of law, and a commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Both leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries, according to a press release from the Prime Minister of Canada.