Sat Nov 23 10:42:44 UTC 2024: ## Trudeau Calls Own Officials “Criminals” for Leaking Information Linking Modi to Violence
**Ottawa, Canada –** Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denounced his own intelligence officials as “criminals” for leaking classified information to the media, alleging links between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and violent activities in Canada. The statement, made Friday in Brampton, follows a recent report in the *Globe and Mail* newspaper and escalating tensions between Canada and India.
Trudeau stated that the leaked information was inaccurate and that the officials responsible for the leaks were not only criminals but also unreliable sources. He referenced a national inquiry into foreign interference, highlighting the unreliability of such leaks. This directly contradicts earlier reports alleging knowledge within the Indian government of violent plots within Canada.
The Canadian government has since issued a statement clarifying that it possesses no evidence linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to criminal activity within Canada. Nathalie Drouin, Trudeau’s intelligence advisor, described any suggestions to the contrary as “speculative and inaccurate.”
The escalating diplomatic crisis began last September when Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist holding Canadian citizenship. India vehemently denied these accusations. The dispute has intensified, with both countries expelling diplomats. Canada maintains it has evidence linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s death and alleges a campaign of intimidation orchestrated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. India counters that Canada’s harboring of pro-Khalistan elements fuels the conflict. The latest revelations further exacerbate the already strained relationship between the two nations.
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