RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says Canada is making “positive” progress in rebuilding law enforcement ties with India, describing ongoing conversations as “good.”
“We are rebuilding these relationships. The conversations have been positive, and we’re looking at planning other meetings with them as well,” Duheme told CTV’s Power Play in an exclusive interview.
The development comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at next week’s G7 summit amid lingering diplomatic tensions.
In 2023, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated there were “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Khalistani extremist. Since then, four Indian-origin nationals based in Canada have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s death.
India has consistently denied the claims, arguing that no credible evidence was shared with them by the Trudeau government.
Asked last week about his decision to invite Modi, PM Carney said he and the Indian PM had agreed to continue “law enforcement to law enforcement dialogue” and noted “some progress” on accountability.
When asked about the current status of the Nijjar investigation, Duheme confirmed the matter is now before the Canadian court but emphasised that rebuilding trust with Indian counterparts remains a priority.
“We want to fight the same crimes. We have common interest in it, and it’s important to keep on building that relationship.”
Responding to concerns about Modi’s visit, Duheme reiterated that the RCMP is not involved in inviting world leaders.
“This was a decision by Mr Carney. We will work closely to ensure the security while Mr Modi is here during the G7.”
Meanwhile, former Liberal MP Chandra Arya welcomed signs of thawing tensions.
“I am pleased to note that Canada and India are set to establish a new structure to share information about cross-border crimes.”
Arya added that the proposed arrangement would enable law enforcement agencies from both countries to exchange intelligence on transnational crime, terrorism, and extremism.
The G7 summit’s security is being handled by the RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG), in collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces and local police, including the Calgary Police Service.
Alberta RCMP Commander Trevor Daroux, also appearing on Power Play, said:
“We’re well prepared to deal with any eventuality.”
He further noted that while the summit’s mountainous setting in Kananaskis, Alberta offers some natural security advantages, the modern threat landscape now includes both ground and aerial risks.
Security measures for the summit will include mobile command centres, drones, airspace restrictions, and personnel on ATVs. Designated protest zones have also been established in Calgary and Banff — about an hour from the summit — where demonstrators will be provided infrastructure to amplify their messages to G7 leaders.
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