Ottawa says India no longer linked to violent crime in Canada, ahead of Carney visit

A senior Canadian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity during a media briefing Wednesday, said authorities are confident that previously alleged activities are no longer occurring.

“We have a very robust diplomatic engagement, including between national security advisers, and I think we can say we’re confident that that activity is not continuing,” the official said, as quoted by the Toronto Star.

“I really don’t think we’d be taking this trip if we thought these kinds of activities were continuing,” the official added, according to the Economic Times.

Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi deteriorated after the June 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.

Then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were credible allegations linking Indian agents to the killing, an accusation India denied. The dispute led to diplomatic expulsions and months of strained ties.

Under Carney, the federal government has signalled a more pragmatic approach to relations with India, emphasising trade, security cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

Photo: Mark Carney/X

Carney is scheduled to spend nine days in India, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business leaders, Business Today reported.

In a statement Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office said Canada would continue addressing concerns related to transnational repression and organised crime through law enforcement cooperation and diplomatic channels, according to Business Today.

The government’s recalibration has drawn criticism from some Sikh Canadian activists, who argue unresolved security concerns remain.

Protests were held on Parliament Hill by groups advocating for Khalistan, who say closer engagement with India should not come at the expense of accountability for past incidents, the Economic Times reported.

Despite domestic debate, Canadian officials say strengthened security dialogue and expanded trade cooperation with India could benefit both countries.

Acoording to a government statement, this visit comes as Ottawa seeks to diversify trade relationships and reduce reliance on traditional economic partners.