Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted on Wednesday that his government only provided "intelligence and no proof" to India concerning the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This revelation came during his testimony before the country's foreign interference inquiry.

Trudeau explained that Canadian intelligence agencies attempted to work discreetly with India prior to making public allegations regarding Nijjar's killing. When Canadian officials requested India investigate the matter, New Delhi sought tangible proof. "At that point, it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof," Trudeau conceded.

The Indian government has consistently accused Canada of making unsubstantiated claims without presenting any evidence. Trudeau recalled his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, where he shared concerns about India's involvement in Nijjar's killing. He noted, "He responded with the usual response from him, which is that we have people who are outspoken against the Indian government living in Canada that he would like to see arrested."

Trudeau alleged that India refused to cooperate with the investigation and intensified attacks against his government, asserting that "India had violated Canada's sovereignty." His testimony followed Ottawa's latest accusations that Indian diplomats were involved in gathering information and collaborating with criminal gangs to target pro-Khalistani movement members in Canada. Trudeau reiterated claims of "credible evidence" implicating Indian agents in Nijjar's murder.

He also identified gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, previously mentioned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as being linked to Nijjar's killing. Trudeau alleged that Indian diplomats collected information on Canadians and relayed it to the Bishnoi gang.

Following Canada’s allegations against Indian diplomats, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a stern statement, emphasizing that Canada had not provided a "shred of evidence" regarding India's involvement in Nijjar's killing, despite numerous requests. The statement accused Trudeau of engaging in vote bank politics and failing to adequately address separatist elements within Canada.

The diplomatic rift has deepened, with New Delhi recalling its top envoy to Ottawa and expelling six Canadian diplomats late Monday evening.