David Vigneault, the head of Canada’s intelligence agency, reportedly undertook two secretive visits to India this year. The covert missions, shrouded in mystery, come amidst strained relations between the two nations following the controversial killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
According to a report by news agency PTI, Vigneault’s discreet journeys to India took place in February and March, strategically timed to address the escalating fallout from Nijjar’s demise. Sources suggest the visits were aimed at briefing Indian authorities on critical developments related to the Nijjar case.
While details of the closed-door discussions remain elusive, insights gleaned from Canada’s probe into Nijjar’s killing were purportedly shared during Vigneault’s rendezvous with Indian counterparts. However, Canadian authorities have maintained a tight-lipped stance regarding the nature of the exchanges, leaving room for speculation.
In the aftermath of Nijjar’s death, Canada has been quick to implicate India, alleging its involvement in the incident. Contrarily, India has vehemently refuted any such claims, urging Canada to furnish concrete evidence substantiating its accusations.
Responding to inquiries regarding Vigneault’s covert diplomacy, a Canadian government official neither confirmed nor denied the specifics of the meetings. Instead, the official emphasized Canada’s commitment to cooperating with India in the Nijjar case, citing ongoing efforts to share pertinent information through diplomatic channels.
“Since Canada became aware of the credible allegations, we have consistently provided all the information we can to India on the Nijjar case, through multiple channels,” the official stated, reiterating Prime Minister Trudeau’s and Canada’s Minister for Public Safety’s acknowledgment of this collaboration.
Meanwhile, back in Canada, the wheels of justice continue to turn as authorities grapple with the aftermath of Nijjar’s assassination. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is spearheading a meticulous investigation, having apprehended four Indian nationals – Amandeep Singh, Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar – on suspicion of involvement in the killing.
“Canada’s priorities from the start have been to ensure truth and accountability. This is in both our countries’ interest,” asserted the Canadian government official, emphasizing the need for transparency and impartiality in the ongoing probe.
The saga of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s demise, a chilling incident that unfolded outside a gurdwara in British Columbia’s Surrey on June 18, 2023, continues to cast a shadow over bilateral relations between India and Canada, underscoring the delicate diplomatic dance between the two nations.
