Canadian police chief gives India a clean chit
The chief of the Canadian police has said there is no concrete evidence linking India or any other foreign Government to criminal activities in the country. He was speaking to Canada’s largest privately owned television network.
“We’re not seeing any connection right now with any foreign entity, based on the criminal information and the investigations we have,” Mike Duheme, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in an
interview with CTV News. He added that while cases of intimidation and harassment do exist, there is no concrete evidence linking them to any State actor.
This is a sharp departure by Ottawa from the 2023 allegations against India by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which triggered worsening of ties between the two nations. India had strongly denied the charge, calling it “absurd” and politically motivated.
The remarks are being seen as a major diplomatic relief for New Delhi, which had consistently rejected earlier accusations as unfounded.
Duheme also played down the influence of Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Canada, suggesting the presence of “copycat” elements rather than an organised international network operating on Canadian soil.
The clarification is notable, given that the Bishnoi gang has frequently been cited in connection with extortion threats and violent incidents targeting members of the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Following the 2023 allegations, relations between India and Canada hit their lowest points in recent years, with both sides expelling senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation and suspending high-level engagements.
However, ties have gradually begun to stabilise, particularly after political changes under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Diplomatic channels have since been reopened, with both countries restoring their High Commissioners and resuming dialogue.
The reset has also extended to economic cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and Canada crossed $30 billion in goods and services in 2024, and recent engagements have focused on strengthening collaboration in critical sectors, including uranium supplies and strategic minerals. Both sides have also reiterated their intent to advance a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
