Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the Canada-India Growth and Investment Forum in Mumbai, on February 28, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh K. Patnaik has dismissed Canada’s old allegations linking New Delhi to the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, asserting that the case is against four individuals and not against the government of India.

In an interview with CBC News on Tuesday (January 14, 2026), Mr. Patnaik also pointed out how the investigation into the Air India bombing has still not yielded anything and not a single person has been convicted of it, despite New Delhi talking about terrorism in Canada for the last 40 years.

The remarks by Mr. Patnaik, who took charge in September 2025, coincided with British Columbia Premier David Eby’s visit to India on a trade mission amid the improving relationship between New Delhi and Ottawa.

The ties between India and Canada strained after the then-prime minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023 of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing outside a gurdwara in Surrey city on June 18 that year.

India, which had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, had strongly rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.” The two countries have taken several steps in recent months to normalise their relations. They have also agreed to revive several mechanisms to advance relations in a range of areas.

Mr. Patnaik was asked how the two countries move past the ‘gap’ of more than a year after Mr. Trudeau’s accusation.

“Well, where is the evidence? Every time you keep on saying credible information, which is fine,” Mr. Patnaik said.

“We have always said, it’s preposterous and absurd. It’s something we don’t do. These allegations … have not been backed by evidence. There’s always … (it is) easy to make accusations,” the Indian diplomat said.

Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Sikh activist whose killing has divided Canada and India?

Mr. Patnaik also pointed out how the investigation into the Air India bombing (of June 1985) has still not yielded anything. “Nothing has happened on the ground. We’ve been talking about terrorism in Canada for the last 40 years. What has anybody done about it? Not a single person has been convicted of it,” he said.

The case in connection with Nijjar’s death is against four individuals, he said, “You have a case going on in Surrey, which says very clearly against four individuals. There is no case against the government of India. The government of India does not do such actions … never.”

India will take action if Canada provides evidence, he said, adding, “What we need is for you to give us evidence, for us to take action.” Mr. Patnaik repeated that Canada has only been providing information, but no evidence.

He cited several examples of cases where prior information provided by India was not acted upon but later turned out to be true.

“When you accuse us, what happens here is … my accusations need evidence, your accusations don’t need evidence?” he said, and then went on to add: “When I accuse you, and you tell me, ‘evidence is not enough’, I agree with it. And I say, ‘Yes, you are telling me evidence is not enough, when I find evidence, I’ll give it to you’.”

“When you accuse me, and I tell you, ‘evidence is not enough’, please accept it with the same alacrity with which you have,” he added.

When the interviewer pressed on by saying, “It’s about the activities of the state of India. It’s about allegations about the Government of India,” Mr. Patnaik said the government of India never does something like that.

“If there are people in the government of India (who) have done it, and you give us evidence, we will take action against them. We have never said otherwise,” he added.

Published – January 14, 2026 06:55 pm IST

Kap’s cafe was shot at in Surrey, Canada, on October 16, 2025. File
| Photo Credit: AP

“This is part of the regular bilateral security consultations that happen between the two countries,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, confirming the meeting between the NSAs.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

New Delhi:

The Centre has informed the Parliament that Canada has presented “no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations” claiming that Indian citizens were involved in crimes committed in the country.

Congress MP Manish Tewari today asked the government in the Lok Sabha, whether it has taken note of the development in the US and Canada over alleged criminal activity involving Indians, to which Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry, Kirti Vardhan Singh said, “Government is aware of the allegations about the involvement of Indian nationals in purported acts or intent in the US and Canada.”

“As part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, certain inputs shared by the US side pertaining to the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others that impinge on India’s national security interests as well are being examined by a High-Level Enquiry Committee that has been constituted for this purpose,” he added.

“In so far as Canada is concerned, it has presented no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations it has chosen to level,” the minister informed the Parliament.

Mr Tiwari further asked the Centre, about the impact of these allegations on our bilateral relations with the US and Canada; whether the government engaged with the countries diplomatically and the measures taken by the Centre to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens in the countries in case of “of any potential fallout of these matters”.

Mr Singh in his response said, “In addition, its public narrative on this issue appears to be in service of an anti-India separatist agenda. Persisting with such a narrative can only be harmful for any stable bilateral relationship. Government have therefore repeatedly urged the Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements operating from their soil.”

“The welfare, safety and security of Indian nationals who are living, working and studying in the US and Canada remains of utmost importance to the Government of India. Issues faced by Indian nationals in the US and Canada are brought to the attention of relevant authorities, whenever they arise, for swift redressal,” he added.

India’s relations with Canada deteriorated after Justin Trudeau made allegations that Indian agents could be involved in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, leading to strong resistance from New Delhi and the expelling of diplomats from both sides.

Meanwhile, the US alleged that Vikash Yadav, also known as Vikas Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer once associated with the Research and Analysis Wing, or R&AW – was the shadowy central figure in a failed plot to kill Gurpatwant Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and founder of the banned Sikhs For Justice.

The purported plot involved another Indian, Nikhil Gupta, who was extradited from Czechia to the US in June.
 

Consular officials at the Indian consulate in Vancouver were recently informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been and continue to be under “audio and video surveillance” and that their “private communications” have also been “intercepted”, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written response in Rajya Sabha also said “respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity and sovereignty are essential for a stable bilateral relationship”.

Mr Singh was asked whether there are any instances of cyber surveillance or other forms of surveillance targeting Indian diplomats in Canada.

“Yes. Recently, consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been, and continue to be under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications have also been intercepted.”

“Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on this issue vide its note verbale dated November 2, 2024 as these actions were a flagrant violation of all diplomatic provisions,” Mr Singh said in his response.

The minister in his response also quoted a response of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson in his weekly briefing to the media recently here.

“By citing technicalities, the Canadian Government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence.”

“This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” the spokesperson had said.

Mr Singh was also asked the details and the steps taken to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats.

“On the question of safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada, the Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Canadian side to ensure that adequate protection is offered at all times to our diplomatic personnel and properties,” he said.

The minister also said the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, in its biennial National Cyber Threat Assessment (NCTA) report for 2025-2026 released on October 30, “placed India under ‘Section 1 – Cyber threat from state adversaries'”.

The MEA had responded to the report on November 2, stating that it was yet another example of Canada’s “negative” approach to ties with India. As on other occasions, imputations have been made about India “without any evidence”, the minister said, quoting MEA’s response.

In a separate written response, Mr Singh also replied to queries on the steps taken for resolving issues with Canada and whether it is a fact that the Government of Canada has “expressed its inability” to provide minimum security to our embassy, consulates and diplomats.

“The two governments are in touch regarding the state of their bilateral ties. Respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity and sovereignty are essential for a stable bilateral relationship.

“In this regard, Government of India has repeatedly urged the Canadian Government to take prompt and effective action against anti-India elements operating from its soil. This includes preventing secessionist and extremist elements from glorifying the assassination of our leaders issuing threats to our current political leadership and diplomats disrespecting and vandalising places of worship and espousing for the balkanisation of India by holding so-called ‘referendums’,” he added.

Mr Singh further said while the Canadian authorities have been able to provide “security protection to our diplomats and diplomatic properties”, they have recently “expressed their inability to provide security cover to our consular camps from the violent acts of secessionist and extremist elements”.

With nearly 1.8 million Indo-Canadians (accounting for about 4.7 per cent of Canada’s population) and another 1 million comprising non-resident Indians including approximately 4,27,000 Indian students, Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas abroad, he said.

“As such, the welfare, safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada is of utmost importance to Government of India,” the Union minister said.

The relations between the two countries came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”.

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada is giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Consular officials at the Indian consulate in Vancouver were recently informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been and continue to be under “audio and video surveillance” and that their “private communications” have also been “intercepted”, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written response in Rajya Sabha also said “respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity and sovereignty are essential for a stable bilateral relationship”.

Mr Singh was asked whether there are any instances of cyber surveillance or other forms of surveillance targeting Indian diplomats in Canada.

“Yes. Recently, consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by the Canadian authorities that they have been, and continue to be under audio and video surveillance and that their private communications have also been intercepted.”

“Government of India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on this issue vide its note verbale dated November 2, 2024 as these actions were a flagrant violation of all diplomatic provisions,” Mr Singh said in his response.

The minister in his response also quoted a response of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson in his weekly briefing to the media recently here.

“By citing technicalities, the Canadian Government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence.”

“This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” the spokesperson had said.

Mr Singh was also asked the details and the steps taken to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats.

“On the question of safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada, the Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Canadian side to ensure that adequate protection is offered at all times to our diplomatic personnel and properties,” he said.

The minister also said the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, in its biennial National Cyber Threat Assessment (NCTA) report for 2025-2026 released on October 30, “placed India under ‘Section 1 – Cyber threat from state adversaries'”.

The MEA had responded to the report on November 2, stating that it was yet another example of Canada’s “negative” approach to ties with India. As on other occasions, imputations have been made about India “without any evidence”, the minister said, quoting MEA’s response.

In a separate written response, Mr Singh also replied to queries on the steps taken for resolving issues with Canada and whether it is a fact that the Government of Canada has “expressed its inability” to provide minimum security to our embassy, consulates and diplomats.

“The two governments are in touch regarding the state of their bilateral ties. Respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity and sovereignty are essential for a stable bilateral relationship.

“In this regard, Government of India has repeatedly urged the Canadian Government to take prompt and effective action against anti-India elements operating from its soil. This includes preventing secessionist and extremist elements from glorifying the assassination of our leaders issuing threats to our current political leadership and diplomats disrespecting and vandalising places of worship and espousing for the balkanisation of India by holding so-called ‘referendums’,” he added.

Mr Singh further said while the Canadian authorities have been able to provide “security protection to our diplomats and diplomatic properties”, they have recently “expressed their inability to provide security cover to our consular camps from the violent acts of secessionist and extremist elements”.

With nearly 1.8 million Indo-Canadians (accounting for about 4.7 per cent of Canada’s population) and another 1 million comprising non-resident Indians including approximately 4,27,000 Indian students, Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas abroad, he said.

“As such, the welfare, safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada is of utmost importance to Government of India,” the Union minister said.

The relations between the two countries came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”.

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada is giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

The Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government’s latest action suggests it has started treating India as an enemy country. India has been added to a list of enemy nations in terms of cyber security and has been labelled a ‘cyber adversary’. New Delhi today called it another Canadian strategy to attack and malign India internationally.

In a press conference today, the Ministry of External Affairs also said that under Trudeau’s administration, senior Canadian officials have openly confessed that Canada is seeking to manipulate global opinions against India. The foreign ministry also said that like other instances, these allegations in their cyber security report are made without a shred of evidence.

“We see this as another Canadian strategy to attack and malign India. Their senior officials have openly confessed that Canada is seeking to manipulate global opinions against India. As on other occasions, allegations are made repeatedly without a shred of evidence,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said at a press conference in New Delhi today.

WHAT CANADA ALLEGED

In its most recent report about cyber security, titled ‘National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026’, the Government of Canada has called India a “cyber adversary”.

In the report it claimed that, “India’s leadership almost certainly aspires to build a modernized cyber program with domestic cyber capabilities. India very likely uses its cyber program to advance its national security imperatives, including espionage, counter-terrorism, and the country’s efforts to promote its global status and counter narratives against India and the Indian government. We assess that India’s cyber program likely leverages commercial cyber vendors to enhance its operations.”

It further claimed that “We assess that Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage. We judge that official bilateral relations between Canada and India will very likely drive Indian state-sponsored cyber threat activity against Canada.”

The report also claimed that “countries that aspire to become new centres of power within the global system, such as India, are building cyber programs that present varying levels of threat to Canada.

Canada made these claims under ‘Section 1’ of its cyber security report titled ‘Cyber Threat From State Adversaries’ which it says “introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.”

India has been added to the list of enemy countries which include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

CANADA HARASSES INDIAN DIPLOMATIC STAFF

The Justin Trudeau-led Canada government has started violating all established international diplomatic norms in its hateful and spiteful pursuit malign India in order to cater to its domestic political motives and objectives. Diplomats and other Indian mission staff are being kept under round-the-clock surveillance and are even being intimidated routinely.

In a move that highlights its double-standards, Justin Trudeau’s administration, which harps on a “rules-based” order has itself not being following any established rules, diplomatic norms and practices.

India today called out Canada for indulging in such illegal activity to harass and intimidate Indian officials in diplomatic missions. New Delhi has called such surveillance activity a “flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions”.

The foreign ministry also said that by citing technicalities the Canadian government cannot justify that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation.

In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “Some of our officials have recently been informed by the Canadian government that they have been, and continue to be under audio and visual surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted.”

It added that “New Delhi has formally protested to the Indian government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions. By citing technicalities the Canadian government cannot justify that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation.”

The foreign ministry concluded by saying that “Our diplomatic and consular persons are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.”

India and Canada are currently in the midst of the worst-ever diplomatic spat between the two nations. India has blamed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alone for the fallout between the two countries. Mr Trudeau has openly been supporting terrorism, extremism, separatism and violence against India by personally and politically being a part of the Khalistani narrative. He has been seen at Khalistani rallies and hate speeches against India. Mr Trudeau is dependent on this vote bank for his political gains.
 

New Delhi:

The Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government’s latest action suggests it has started treating India as an enemy country. India has been added to a list of enemy nations in terms of cyber security and has been labelled a ‘cyber adversary’. New Delhi today called it another Canadian strategy to attack and malign India internationally.

In a press conference today, the Ministry of External Affairs also said that under Trudeau’s administration, senior Canadian officials have openly confessed that Canada is seeking to manipulate global opinions against India. The foreign ministry also said that like other instances, these allegations in their cyber security report are made without a shred of evidence.

“We see this as another Canadian strategy to attack and malign India. Their senior officials have openly confessed that Canada is seeking to manipulate global opinions against India. As on other occasions, allegations are made repeatedly without a shred of evidence,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said at a press conference in New Delhi today.

WHAT CANADA ALLEGED

In its most recent report about cyber security, titled ‘National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026’, the Government of Canada has called India a “cyber adversary”.

In the report it claimed that, “India’s leadership almost certainly aspires to build a modernized cyber program with domestic cyber capabilities. India very likely uses its cyber program to advance its national security imperatives, including espionage, counter-terrorism, and the country’s efforts to promote its global status and counter narratives against India and the Indian government. We assess that India’s cyber program likely leverages commercial cyber vendors to enhance its operations.”

It further claimed that “We assess that Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage. We judge that official bilateral relations between Canada and India will very likely drive Indian state-sponsored cyber threat activity against Canada.”

The report also claimed that “countries that aspire to become new centres of power within the global system, such as India, are building cyber programs that present varying levels of threat to Canada.

Canada made these claims under ‘Section 1’ of its cyber security report titled ‘Cyber Threat From State Adversaries’ which it says “introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.”

India has been added to the list of enemy countries which include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

CANADA HARASSES INDIAN DIPLOMATIC STAFF

The Justin Trudeau-led Canada government has started violating all established international diplomatic norms in its hateful and spiteful pursuit malign India in order to cater to its domestic political motives and objectives. Diplomats and other Indian mission staff are being kept under round-the-clock surveillance and are even being intimidated routinely.

In a move that highlights its double-standards, Justin Trudeau’s administration, which harps on a “rules-based” order has itself not being following any established rules, diplomatic norms and practices.

India today called out Canada for indulging in such illegal activity to harass and intimidate Indian officials in diplomatic missions. New Delhi has called such surveillance activity a “flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions”.

The foreign ministry also said that by citing technicalities the Canadian government cannot justify that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation.

In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “Some of our officials have recently been informed by the Canadian government that they have been, and continue to be under audio and visual surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted.”

It added that “New Delhi has formally protested to the Indian government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions. By citing technicalities the Canadian government cannot justify that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation.”

The foreign ministry concluded by saying that “Our diplomatic and consular persons are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.”

India and Canada are currently in the midst of the worst-ever diplomatic spat between the two nations. India has blamed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alone for the fallout between the two countries. Mr Trudeau has openly been supporting terrorism, extremism, separatism and violence against India by personally and politically being a part of the Khalistani narrative. He has been seen at Khalistani rallies and hate speeches against India. Mr Trudeau is dependent on this vote bank for his political gains.
 

Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada October 29, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Hindus in Canada are aggrieved after Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre had chosen to cancel the 2024 Diwali celebrations.

The Hindu Forum on Canda says that the move sends a clear message of exclusion to the community.

“A move that sends a clear message of exclusion to a community deeply woven into Canada’s cultural fabric. Diwali, a festival symbolizing light and unity, is celebrated worldwide, with leaders like U.S. President Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams honouring it with great respect. Yet, CPC leader Pierre Poilievre has shown a concerning disregard for Canadian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. This decision is a politically motivated act of appeasement that dismisses a significant, vibrant part of Canadian society,” a statement from the Hindu Forum said.

The organisation called on Indian-origin people in Canada to vote for leaders who stand by all Canadians.

“Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in Canada — nearly 2.5 million strong–are rapidly growing communities that have made meaningful contributions across fields, from science to education. Mutual respect among communities is what strengthens Canada, but it seems CPC leadership does not uphold this principle when it comes to these communities. It’s crucial for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains to stand united against decisions that show a lack of respect for our culture and beliefs. In the upcoming federal elections, let’s choose wisely. Pierre Poilievre is not yet Prime Minister, yet his true colours of appeasement politics show through by cancelling Diwali celebrations. If he were to become Prime Minister, what further tactics might he use? Our votes should go to leaders who genuinely respect and stand by all Canadians, and we must make our voices heard. This Diwali, let’s stand together for representation, respect, and true inclusivity,” the statement said.

Earlier, Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilievre cancelled the Diwali celebrations, scheduled to take place at Parliament Hill, amid the ongoing diplomatic row with India.

The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event’s organiser, received no explanation for the cancellation of the Diwali celebration.

Also Read | Timeline: What led to India, Canada expelling top diplomats?

This statement comes amid strained ties between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.

The situation has led to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from the country in mid-October.

OFIC president Shiv Bhasker wrote a letter to Pierre Poilievre, expressing dismay over the decision.In a letter to Pierre Poilievre, Bhasker wrote, “It is with extreme disappointment and in sadness that I am writing this letter to you to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of Opposition cancelling the 24th Diwali celebration on the Parliament Hill.”

“The failure of the politicians to attend this important cultural event, particularly at such a delicate time, sends a clear message to Indo-Canadians: that we are being viewed not as fellow Canadians but as outsiders who are somehow linked to the political actions of a country many of us have ancestral ties to but no direct connection with,” the letter added.

Further, Mr. Bhasker urged the Office of the Leader of Opposition to recognise the harm caused to the Indo-Canadian community by the cancellation of a Diwali celebration event.

“This cancelled event was not just a political gathering; it was meant to celebrate Diwali, a festival that brings together families, friends, and communities in a spirit of light, hope, and renewal. By distancing oneself from this celebration, our political leader has turned what should have been a moment of unity into one of division,” the letter added.