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India is now cooperating with Canada in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to Jody Thomas, Canada’s former national security advisor.

In an interview with CTV on Friday, Thomas stated that India’s cooperation in the ongoing probe into Nijjar’s killing in the province of British Columbia last June signifies an “evolution” in the relationship between the two nations after months of strained diplomatic ties.

Despite the initial allegations of India’s non-cooperation from Canada, Thomas said, “I would not describe them as non-cooperating”. She added that recent dialogues with her Indian counterpart had been productive.

Thomas also noted that the US indictment of an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, for his role in a plot to assassinate another Sikh separatist leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the United States, had influenced the improved dynamics.

The diplomatic row between the two nations escalated after Trudeau suggested there were “credible allegations” of Indian government agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s murder. India vehemently dismissed these claims as “absurd”, while also maintaining that Canada never provided any evidence or information to support its allegations.

In response to Trudeau’s comments, India requested Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence, prompting Ottawa to withdraw 41 diplomats from India in September. The tension between the countries had repercussions on discussions regarding a free-trade agreement.

“Canada’s ability to function in the Indo-Pacific relies on having a healthy relationship with India… And I think we are working back towards it,” Thomas stated.

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