OTTAWA: Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K Patnaik, has categorically dismissed allegations linking New Delhi to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. In an extensive interview with CBC News on Tuesday, Patnaik emphasised that the investigation into Nijjar’s death is focused solely on four individuals and that there is no case against the government of India.

Patnaik, who assumed his post in September 2025, highlighted that India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020 and described the Canadian allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.” He further stressed that accusations without evidence cannot form the basis of claims against a sovereign state.

Context of the Bilateral Tensions

The diplomatic strain between India and Canada traces back to September 2023, when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly suggested a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing outside a gurdwara in Surrey. The allegation had prompted an immediate and firm rejection from New Delhi, which insisted the claims were unfounded and politically motivated.

Patnaik’s remarks come at a time of improving India-Canada relations, coinciding with British Columbia Premier David Eby’s visit to India on a trade mission. The visit underscores the continuing efforts to normalise ties and strengthen economic and diplomatic cooperation despite past controversies.

Evidence or Lack Thereof

Throughout the interview, Patnaik repeatedly challenged Canada’s assertions, stressing the absence of evidence linking India to Nijjar’s death.

“Well, where is the evidence? Every time you keep on saying credible information, which is fine,” 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 is always … it is easy to make accusations.”

He further drew attention to Canada’s history of investigations into terrorist activities, citing the Air India bombing of June 1985 as an example. “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, implicitly questioning the Canadian government’s handling of terrorism-related cases.

Patnaik emphasised that the case concerning Nijjar involves four named individuals and is proceeding through the Canadian judicial system. “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,” he asserted.

Response to Calls for Indian Action

The Indian envoy stressed that India remains committed to taking action if concrete evidence is provided. “What we need is for you to give us evidence, for us to take action,” he said. Patnaik also pointed out that Canada has so far provided information rather than verifiable evidence, and cautioned against treating speculative claims as factual.

“When you accuse us, what happens here is … my accusations need evidence, your accusations don’t need evidence? 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,’” he said.

He further insisted on parity in standards of accountability. “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.

Firm Stand on State Responsibility

When pressed on whether the accusations concern India as a state, Patnaik reiterated that the Government of India does not engage in extrajudicial actions. He clarified that should any evidence surface indicating wrongdoing by individuals within the Indian government, New Delhi would take action against them in accordance with the law. “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 said.

Diplomatic Implications

Patnaik’s statements signal a firm but measured approach by India, seeking to defend its sovereignty while keeping channels open for constructive dialogue with Canada. His intervention also comes at a time when both countries are working to strengthen trade ties and bilateral cooperation despite the lingering diplomatic sensitivities.

Observers note that India’s position reflects a consistent stance: rejecting unsubstantiated accusations while emphasizing evidence-based accountability. The Canadian allegations have been a point of tension for over two years, and the Indian government’s insistence on proof before action represents a standard diplomatic response aimed at preserving bilateral credibility.

By publicly addressing the matter, the Indian envoy also sought to frame the conversation around judicial and investigative processes rather than political conjecture, highlighting the need for Canada to provide actionable evidence to substantiate any claims involving Indian nationals or state actors.

Looking Forward

As relations between India and Canada continue to evolve, Patnaik’s remarks underscore India’s position that misguided accusations should not derail constructive engagement. With Premier David Eby’s trade mission underway and broader economic and strategic cooperation in focus, both nations appear intent on moving beyond the controversy, though the Nijjar case remains a sensitive issue requiring careful diplomatic handling.

India’s consistent response—asserting no state involvement, emphasizing the role of evidence, and leaving judicial processes to determine individual culpability—reflects a measured, law-based approach in contrast to political claims. The development suggests that while the allegations have strained relations, both countries may now focus on pragmatic areas of collaboration, balancing diplomacy, trade, and mutual interests.