'None': Jaishankar on Whether Canada Shared Any Evidence On India Link to Nijjar Killing

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said no evidence has provided so far by Canada on the allegations of India’s link to the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in Canadian province of British Columbia.

During a conversation with journalist Lionel Barber on Wednesday, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of credible evidence. When asked if there was any evidence of the Indian government’s involvement in the killing, the EAM categorically stated, “none.”

Speaking about Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations, Jaishankar said that he has discussed the matter with his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, urging the Canadian government to share any evidence they may have.

Jaishankar highlighted India’s willingness to consider an investigation but emphasised that no evidence has been provided thus far.

“Now, in the case of Mr Trudeau, I have discussed it also with my own counterpart. And we have told them, look, if you have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We are not ruling out an investigation and looking at anything which they may have to offer. They haven’t done so,” news agency ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying.

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Jaishankar concluded his five-day visit to the UK on Wednesday, which he described as “timely” after a series of cross-party engagements amid “substantial progress” on the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations.

Jaishankar, in his trip, raised India’s long-standing concerns about pro-Khalistan extremism in the UK during his meetings with the country’s leaders, stressing that they should be on guard against the misuse of freedom of expression and speech.

During a media interaction at the High Commission of India in London before leaving, the minister shared some insights from his discussions with the UK Cabinet ministers and Opposition leaders which covered a whole spectrum of global and bilateral issues.

India’s concerns regarding pro-Khalistan extremism in relation to the safety of its diplomats in the country were among the topics that came up during his meetings with UK Home Secretary James Cleverly and National Security Adviser (NSA) Tim Barrow.

“We have long-standing concerns about extremist and sometimes even violent activities of various forces, including those who propagate Khalistan,” said Jaishankar.

“We have been trying to get the government here to understand that while we as a fellow democracy certainly understand the importance of freedom of expression, and of speech, they should be on guard against the misuse of these freedoms,” he said.

(With PTI and ANI inputs)