Canada’s Spy Chief Secretly Visited India Twice This Year to Probe Nijjar’s Assassination

In a series of covert diplomatic maneuvers, David Vigneault, the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), made two unpublicized visits to India earlier this year. 

These visits, occurring in February and March, were focused on discussing the assassination of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

This case has significantly strained the diplomatic ties between Canada and India.

Vigneault's missions aimed to inform Indian officials of the findings from Ottawa’s investigation into Nijjar's killing. 

The background of this case dates back to June 18 of last year, when Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. 

The assassination has since been under the scrutiny of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The diplomatic friction escalated in September last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly suggested the 'potential' involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s murder, allegations that New Delhi promptly dismissed as 'absurd'. 

The tension deepened with the arrest of three Indian nationals in Canada – Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar – on charges of involvement in the killing. 

A fourth Indian, Amandeep Singh, was subsequently arrested.

A Canadian government official confirmed Vigneault's trips, emphasizing that CSIS has been actively sharing all relevant information with India through multiple channels since the allegations surfaced. 

This sharing of information, intended to ensure transparency and accountability, has been highlighted by both Prime Minister Trudeau and Canada’s minister for public safety.

The visits by Vigneault were just part of broader diplomatic engagements, with other Canadian officials reportedly visiting India to discuss various aspects of Nijjar’s assassination. 

However, India has officially stated that it has not received any specific information from Canada regarding the case.

New Delhi has consistently expressed concerns about Canada’s leniency towards pro-Khalistani elements operating freely from its soil. 

This has been a significant point of contention, with India highlighting threats against its diplomats in Canada and calling on Ottawa to ensure their safety.

In response to Trudeau’s allegations, India requested that Canada reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. 

Canada complied, withdrawing 41 diplomats and their family members from India.

As the investigation into Nijjar’s assassination continues, the diplomatic dance between Canada and India highlights the delicate balance of international relations and the profound impact of internal security issues on global diplomacy. 

The secretive nature of Vigneault’s visits underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding this case, which remains a pivotal issue in the ongoing discourse between the two nations.