News Brief

"India Is Working With Us Far More Closely": Retired NSIA Jody Thomas On Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's Murder Probe

Nayan Dwivedi

Jan 27, 2024, 01:05 PM | Updated 01:05 PM IST


Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, walks past Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, walks past Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat.

In a notable development, Canada's National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) Jody Thomas, who retired on Friday (26 January), has highlighted the increased cooperation from India in the investigation of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder.

In an interview with Canadian media, Thomas stated, "I wouldn't describe them as not cooperating. I think we have made advancements in that relationship."

As reported by Hindustan Times, Thomas emphasised that India is now working more closely with Canada to resolve the matter.

“India is working with us…far more closely to resolve this,” she told CTV.

She mentioned, "My discussions with my counterpart in India have been fruitful, and I think they've moved things forward."

Also Read: Congress Navigates Internal Strife As 34 MLAs Excluded From Karnataka's Cabinet Gets Appointed To Key Roles In Boards And Corporations

As for the investigation being conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), she said it was “being careful to ensure that every T is crossed and I dotted to have a successful charge package and prosecution.”

While India's High Commission in Ottawa has not provided an official response, Thomas expressed optimism about the collaboration.

However, High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma had earlier mentioned that India’s “approach towards resolving this issue” has “always been collaborative.”

In response to the allegations India had suspended visas issuance to Canadians right after Trudeau’s statement but that was normalised in November.

It also sought “parity” in diplomatic presence, leading to 41 Canadian diplomats leaving India in October.

Also Read: "BJP Offered Rs 25 Crore, Election Ticket To MLAs To Break Away From AAP; Liquor Scam Conspiracy To Topple Government": Arvind Kejriwal


Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.

Get Swarajya in your inbox.


Magazine


A road trip through the poorest regions of India — its heartland