June 13, 2025
Maninder Grewal
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says that discussions with Indian officials regarding the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been “positive,” marking a shift after India had previously refused to cooperate. “We’re in the process of rebuilding our relationship. The conversations have been encouraging, and we’re planning additional meetings,” Duheme said in an exclusive interview with CTV’s Power Play on Thursday. His remarks follow Prime Minister Mark Carney’s defense of his decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to next week’s G7 summit, despite strained relations between Canada and India.
In 2023, former prime minister Justin Trudeau revealed there were “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s killing. Since then, four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with the case. In 2024, the RCMP further accused the Indian government of being involved in a broader pattern of violence in Canada, including murders and extortion. These claims led to diplomatic expulsions from both nations.
When asked about the Modi invite, Carney stated that both countries had agreed to continue law enforcement-level dialogue, and that there had been “some progress” regarding accountability. When host Mike Le Couteur asked about updates on the Nijjar investigation, Duheme responded, “The matter is before the courts right now.” He added, “The RCMP has re-engaged with its Indian counterparts, and we are committed to rebuilding that relationship. Both sides are interested in tackling similar criminal issues, and it’s crucial we continue that cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Sikh organizations on Parliament Hill renewed calls for Carney to withdraw Modi’s invitation to the G7 summit.
The groups are also urging the Liberal government to immediately halt all intelligence-sharing activities with India.
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