The remarks came during a briefing ahead of Canadian PM Mark Carney’s trip to India, where ex-MEA Secretary Periyasamy Kumaran fielded queries on the contentious matter. He underscored India’s zero-tolerance for terrorism while rejecting any narrative implicating New Delhi in cross-border crimes.

“These allegations of Indian involvement in transnational killings or organized crime are wholly unsubstantiated, politically motivated, and devoid of reliable evidence,” Kumaran asserted. “We’ve consistently sought proof, which has never materialized. Such grave issues demand resolution via proper investigative and judicial routes, away from the glare of public discourse.”

On Nijjar specifically, he affirmed that Canada’s probe is advancing per its laws, and India respects the process. Public interventions, he cautioned, risk undermining ongoing judicial proceedings.

The saga traces back to September 2023, when PM Justin Trudeau stunned the world by claiming intelligence pointed to Indian involvement in Nijjar’s slaying outside a gurdwara in Surrey. Ottawa’s move to question top Indian diplomats intensified the crisis, prompting New Delhi to expel Canadian intelligence officers in retaliation.

India countered by branding the claims ‘nonsensical’ and criticizing Canada for providing safe haven to Khalistani radicals plotting against it. The lack of shared evidence has fueled frustration on both sides.

Yet, security dialogues persist. Kumaran outlined NSA-level talks in late 2025 and early 2026, yielding commitments to bolster anti-terror cooperation and law enforcement ties.

Operational highlights include a functioning counter-terrorism working group and consular forums tackling extraditions and alerts. Dedicated coordinators will now handle intel exchanges on drug trafficking—including fentanyl—and global crime syndicates.

This framework reflects a mature recalibration of India-Canada relations, moving beyond Nijjar’s shadow toward mutual gains in security. Carney’s visit offers a platform to solidify these gains amid watchful eyes.

Doval’s Saturday sit-down with Natalie G. Drouin, the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, reviewed ongoing security projects and charted paths for deeper law enforcement synergy. The outcome: a consensus-driven action plan to guide joint endeavors in safeguarding national interests.

Central to the agenda was establishing dedicated liaison positions for security and policing between the two countries. This initiative targets faster intel flow on high-priority threats, including the smuggling of fentanyl precursors and operations by global crime networks.

The duo also committed to structuring cybersecurity partnerships, encompassing coordinated policies and swift threat intelligence sharing. Further progress was made on collaborative anti-fraud strategies and immigration enforcement, balanced with adherence to legal frameworks.

Wrapping up his visit, Doval conferred with the Public Safety Minister on Friday, addressing narcotics trafficking and organized crime head-on. These interactions reflect a pragmatic approach to security amid historical strains, injecting optimism into India-Canada engagements.

Both delegations hailed the meetings as trust-builders, essential for tackling public safety concerns effectively. With concrete steps outlined, this dialogue could mark a turning point, enhancing resilience against evolving transnational risks and fostering a more secure partnership.

The agreement, as detailed in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, clarifies that an assault on one country will be regarded as an attack on both. A joint statement issued after the signing highlighted the foundation of the agreement: a partnership spanning nearly eight decades, rooted in brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and shared strategic interests.