India demands evidence from Canada before assisting in Nijjar killing probe

India has taken a definitive stance in the investigation into the killing of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, declaring that it will not assist Canadian investigators until concrete evidence is provided by Ottawa. The assertion was made by India's High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, in an interview with The Globe and Mail.

India's Conditional Cooperation

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, emphasized that India will not provide information to Canadian investigators until relevant and specific evidence is shared. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Verma stated, "Unless we see something relevant and specific, it would be extremely difficult for us to do anything to help the Canadian authorities." This condition underscores India's commitment to a collaborative approach in the investigation.


Lack of Evidence from Ottawa

Verma highlighted that India has yet to receive any evidence linking it to Nijjar's slaying. He made it clear that sharing such evidence is a crucial precondition for India's cooperation. The High Commissioner added that his office has not received any formal request from Ottawa to cooperate with the probe, further complicating the situation.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot in Vancouver on June 18 last year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, three months after the incident, stirred global attention by asserting credible allegations of a connection between Nijjar's assassination and Indian agents. While India initiated an investigation into a similar case based on US-provided information, there has been no announcement of a probe into the Canadian incident.

India's refusal to aid Canadian investigators without concrete evidence reflects a firm stand, reiterating the need for cooperation based on specific and relevant information. The demand for evidence underscores India's commitment to a transparent and accountable investigative process.

The ongoing dispute over the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing highlights the complexities surrounding international cooperation in criminal probes. India's insistence on receiving evidence before extending assistance to Canadian authorities sets a precedent for stringent collaboration in cases of transnational crimes.