The Canadian government clarifies that no evidence has been presented linking Indian leaders to criminal activities on Canadian soil

The Canadian government has firmly denied claims suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval are linked to criminal activities within Canada. The statement, issued by Nathalie G. Drouin, the national security and intelligence advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, refuted speculation surrounding the involvement of these prominent Indian figures in any illicit actions within the country.

“The government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada,” Drouin’s statement clarified. This response follows reports in the media that had raised questions about the possible involvement of Indian officials in unlawful activities within Canada, sparking a wave of political and diplomatic concern.

The statement appears to be an effort to quell any growing tensions or misunderstandings between Canada and India, particularly following the ongoing discussions around security matters between the two nations. While Canada has expressed concerns in the past about various criminal activities involving international actors on its soil, the government’s latest comments emphasize that there is no official evidence to suggest that senior Indian leaders have been implicated in such actions.

These remarks come at a time when Canada and India continue to grapple with sensitive issues related to diaspora communities and national security, with some Canadian officials calling for heightened scrutiny of foreign influence within the country. Despite this, the Trudeau government’s official stance remains one of seeking diplomatic engagement with India, rather than escalating tensions based on speculative claims.

The issue also adds another layer to the complex relationship between the two countries, particularly in the wake of last year’s diplomatic row over the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader in Canada, which has further strained bilateral ties.