'Canada Backs United India': Ex-Minister Stephane Dion Questions Trudeau's Handling Of Nijjar Case

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 10:48 IST

In a wide-ranging conversation, Dion underlined that separatism is not illegal in Canada — but violence and terrorism are.

Former Canadian foreign minister Stéphane Dion has called for greater diplomatic restraint in handling sensitive international allegations, saying investigations should be allowed to run their course. He also stressed that Canada has “no ambiguity" in supporting a united India, while expressing personal disagreement with how former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly handled allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Dion underlined that separatism is not illegal in Canada — but violence and terrorism are.

“Separatism is not illegal. It’s completely acceptable," Dion said, explaining that in Canada, individuals are free to advocate political views, including secession. Otherwise, he noted, “you would have to put a lot of people in jail in Quebec." “What is not acceptable is violent planning and terrorism," he added.

Dion also said that Prime Minister Mark Carney is determined to improve ties with India. “So we hope that the difficulties of the past will disappear and that we’ll understand that Canada is fully supporting the unity of India and wants to have a positive relationship with India," he said.

On Intelligence and Investigations

Addressing the diplomatic standoff that followed Trudeau’s statement in the House of Commons alleging “credible allegations" of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing, Dion said he would have exercised more caution. “My own view is that in this kind of situation, you don’t interfere in the investigation. You say there is an inquiry, and you let the police do their job," he said.

Dion argued that accusations of foreign state involvement in a killing on Canadian soil are “very, very serious" and should only be made when backed by “clear and strong evidence."

He maintained that while the Canadian government cited intelligence, he personally would have refrained from publicly raising concerns until investigations were complete.

The Canadian government, he noted, has maintained that an independent law enforcement process is underway and that political authorities do not interfere in such investigations.

‘No Structural Problem’ With India

Dion rejected the notion that India–Canada ties were historically strained due to structural differences over separatism. “When I was minister, our relationship was really good," he said, recalling his tenure as foreign minister in 2016. “We were willing to increase it."

He added that previous disagreements — including historical tensions over nuclear cooperation — were “an old story" and did not impede engagement during his time in office.

Dion emphasised that Ottawa has consistently supported India’s territorial integrity. “The view of the government of Canada is unambiguous — it’s great for the world that India is united. We will never try to encourage the breakup of India," he said.

At the same time, he stressed that in a democracy like Canada, citizens are free to hold and express differing political opinions.

On Perceptions Around the Liberal Party and Sikh Votes

Responding to perceptions in India that Canada’s Liberal Party has relied heavily on Sikh separatist support, Dion dismissed the claim. He said the Liberal Party has historically drawn backing from diverse immigrant communities — including Sikhs, Hindus, Ukrainians, Poles and others — not because of separatist sympathies, but due to its broader multicultural appeal.

“There was no will in the Liberal Party to be nice with separatists," he said, reiterating that the party’s official position has always supported the unity of India.

He also clarified that Trudeau’s political understanding with Jagmeet Singh and the New Democratic Party (NDP) was centered on social policy cooperation and did not alter Canada’s foreign policy stance toward India.

“Our foreign policy stayed very strong about the unity of India," Dion said.

India a Democracy, China a Different Case

Drawing a contrast, Dion described India as a democracy with which Canada should naturally maintain positive ties. “It was very sad we had this bad relationship with a democracy," he said, expressing hope that diplomatic engagement under Prime Minister Carney would improve ties.

By contrast, he described China as an autocracy, acknowledging deeper structural concerns in that relationship.

Dion’s remarks come at a time when India–Canada relations remain strained, with diplomatic expulsions, high commissioners withdrawn, and investigations ongoing. His comments reflect both a defence of Canada’s institutional processes and a call for calibrated diplomatic communication in handling sensitive international allegations.

News world 'Canada Backs United India': Ex-Minister Stephane Dion Questions Trudeau's Handling Of Nijjar Case

Read More