Canada's intelligence Chief conducts two unpublicized visits to India amid diplomatic tensions

Canada’s intelligence agency chief, David Vigneault, made two quiet visits to India in February and March this year. These visits were related to the investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Vigneault shared information from Ottawa's investigation with Indian officials. Although the specific details of their discussions remain undisclosed, these meetings took place amid strained relations between India and Canada following Nijjar’s death.

Investigation and diplomatic strain

Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Canada has suggested India's involvement in the killing, a claim India has strongly denied, asking for evidence. Canadian authorities have arrested four Indian nationals—Amandeep Singh, Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar—in connection with Nijjar's death. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is leading the investigation.

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A Canadian official confirmed Vigneault’s travels to India but did not comment on the specifics of the meetings. The official stated that Canada has shared all possible information with India about the Nijjar case through multiple channels, as emphasized by Prime Minister Trudeau and Canada’s minister for public safety. Canada’s focus is on ensuring truth and accountability, stressing the importance of the ongoing independent investigation by the RCMP.

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