On Thursday, Mike Duheme, the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, informed a news channel that there are currently no clandestine operations or transnational repression associated with the Indian government occurring in Canada.

Duheme stated, “Our investigations and the files we possess do not indicate any connections to foreign entities regarding transnational repression at this time.”

This statement was made in response to inquiries about whether there are ongoing concerns regarding transnational repression by individuals allegedly linked to the Indian government. The complete interview is set to air on Sunday.

His remarks come during a period of improving diplomatic relations between India and Canada.

Relations had significantly worsened in 2023 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in Parliament that intelligence agencies were investigating credible allegations connecting Indian government agents to the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Nijjar was a proponent of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh nation, and led the Khalistan Tiger Force, which is classified as a terrorist organization in India.

India has firmly denied these allegations from Canada.

Currently, four Indian nationals are undergoing trial in Canada related to Nijjar’s murder, facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

Duheme emphasized that his comments were based on a comprehensive review of the files concerning foreign interference and transnational repression.

He added, “While we have instances of intimidation and harassment, we cannot link these actions to any foreign entity at this time, regardless of the country.”

As of now, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a statement regarding these developments.

Earlier in March, a spokesperson for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service indicated that their assessment had not changed, asserting that India remains a significant actor in foreign interference and espionage against Canada.

This statement contradicted earlier comments from a senior government official who suggested that Ottawa believes India is no longer involved in violent crimes within Canada.

Previously, Canada had accused India of foreign interference.

In January 2025, a Canadian inquiry commission accused India of meddling in the electoral process by covertly funding political figures and spreading disinformation.

The Indian external affairs ministry dismissed the inquiry's findings, claiming that Canada was the one interfering in India's internal matters.

In March 2025, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warned that India, among other nations, might attempt to influence the upcoming Canadian general election in April 2025. A subsequent report in July accused India of engaging in foreign interference and espionage.

On February 8, India and Canada announced a collaborative work plan aimed at enhancing cooperation in national security and law enforcement.