No current criminal ties between India and repression in Canada, says Canada's National Police Commissioner

In an exclusive interview with CTV News airing March 20, Duheme said, "In the files that we have that involve transnational repression, we're not seeing any connection right now with any foreign entity, based on the criminal information and the investigations that we have presently."

Context of remarks

Duheme's comments address ongoing probes into intimidation and harassment cases, emphasising that while suspects exist, "connecting the dots to a foreign entity—we don’t have that," as quoted by CTV News host Vassy Kapelos.

This follows the RCMP's October 2024 press conference accusing Indian officials of ties to targeted violence, including the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Past strains under Trudeau government

Relations between Canada and India plummeted under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, triggered by his September 2023 parliamentary claim of "credible allegations" of Indian agent involvement in Nijjar's June 2023 killing in Surrey, B.C.

India dismissed the accusations as "absurd", expelled Canadian diplomats, and suspended visa services, leading to mutual expulsions and trade disruptions.

Tensions peaked with U.S. indictments of Indian nationals in related plots, but bilateral ties have thawed since Carney's January 2026 India visit.

Modi meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on March 02, 2026. Photo: Mark Carney/X

The Hindustan Times noted Duheme clarified earlier claims were based on then-available evidence, with no ongoing public safety threats from Indian agents.

Last month, amid Carney's arrival in India, Canadian officials reassessed earlier security concerns and indicated that India is no longer viewed as linked to violent threats on Canadian soil, a shift that removes a significant obstacle to deeper engagement.