Last Updated: March 14, 2024, 13:24 IST
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters, who is on a official visit to India, met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday. (Image: MEA)
New Zealand government’s stance on allegations regarding the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist and Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks in India
Days after New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters questioned claims on Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing in Canada, Wellington has clarified his comments made during his visit to India.
During his India visit, Peters had underlined the absence of conclusive evidence or findings corroborating the alleged involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s Surrey killing in June which heightened tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. In an interview with Indian Express, Peters addressed the issue of the dearth of evidence in Nijjar’s case, who was a designated terrorist in India.
“Well, I wasn’t here, it was handled by the previous government. But sometimes when you’re hearing Five Eyes information, you’re hearing it and saying nothing. You don’t know the value or the quality of it, but you’re pleased to have it,” he said in response to a question on India-Canada row. “As a trained lawyer, I look okay, so where’s the case? Where’s the evidence? Where’s the finding right here, right now? Well, there isn’t one,” he added.
Read More: ‘Where’s The Evidence’? New Zealand Deputy PM Casts Doubt on India Link to Nijjar Killing
This stance marks a departure from the narrative put forth by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September last year. Peters’ comments mark the first instance where a Five-Eyes partner, which comprises the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, New Zealand, has contested Ottawa’s assertions. Asked for comment by Canada on Peters’ remarks, the New Zealand government said Wellington is not challenging Canada’s allegations.
“New Zealand’s position on the allegations remains unchanged – if they are proven correct, then that would be of serious concern,” John Tulloch, senior press secretary in Mr. Peters’s office, said in an e-mailed statement to The Globe and Mail. “The minister’s point is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It needs to run its course before clear conclusions can be drawn.” Ever since Trudeau went public with the Nijjar assassination allegations, New Delhi has strongly rejected the accusations and asked Ottawa to furnish solid proof. The Indian government has maintained that they have been collaborative and wanted to address the concerns raised by Canada through diplomatic channels.
