Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 1, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that India was involved in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, adding that Canada received security cooperation from India during the investigation into the case.
In an interview with The New York Times, Carney discussed relations between Canada and India, security cooperation, and efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Cooperation with India
According to Mark Carney, the two countries cooperated in connection with the investigation into Nijjar’s killing. He said security cooperation would be extremely important in preventing similar incidents in Canada in the future and that communication at different levels would need to continue.
However, Carney stopped short of guaranteeing that no India-linked crime would occur in Canada in the future. He said it was impossible to guarantee the complete elimination of crime in any country.
Changing Relations
The Canadian prime minister’s remarks are significant as his government continues efforts to improve relations between Canada and India. Diplomatic contacts between the two countries have resumed, and discussions are also taking place on expanding cooperation in trade and other sectors.
According to Carney, Canada cannot ignore its security concerns while seeking to improve relations with India. He said security cooperation aims to protect Canadian citizens and reduce risks arising from foreign interference in the future.
The Nijjar Killing Case
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Nijjar was a Canadian citizen and a supporter of the Khalistan movement.
Following the killing, Canadian authorities launched an investigation into India’s possible role, and the case became the source of a serious diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
Trudeau’s Statement
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the Canadian Parliament in September 2023 that Canada possessed information indicating that agents of the Indian government might have been linked to Nijjar’s killing.
Trudeau’s statement led to a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Both countries took measures against each other’s diplomatic personnel, and bilateral relations remained severely strained for several months.
India rejected Canada’s position and denied that the Indian government was involved in Nijjar’s killing.
Investigation into the Case
During the Canadian authorities’ investigation into Nijjar’s killing, officials referred to various pieces of evidence and intelligence information.
The Canadian government has maintained that sensitive information related to the investigation cannot be made public because doing so could affect legal proceedings and security matters.
In his interview, Carney emphasised the importance of security cooperation, saying Canada would need to continue working with different countries to address similar threats in the future.
Restoring Relations
Despite the serious disagreements that emerged following Nijjar’s killing, Mark Carney’s government has continued efforts to improve relations with India. Talks are also underway to expand cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, energy and other sectors.
Canada considers stronger economic ties with India part of its broader trade strategy. However, the Nijjar killing case and security concerns related to foreign interference remain sensitive aspects of bilateral relations.
Carney’s Position
Mark Carney has said Canada wants better relations with India, but protecting national security remains a fundamental priority. According to him, strengthening security cooperation is necessary to address the risks of crime and foreign interference in the future.
Carney’s remarks come as Canada and India attempt to improve relations following a period of diplomatic tensions.
Canada’s position regarding India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing, alongside India’s denial of those allegations, remains among the most sensitive issues between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Canadian government continues to identify security cooperation as an important measure for preventing similar incidents in the future.
