Amid the furore over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India on Saturday rebuked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asserting that the latter cannot level unsubstantiated accusations against the Modi government over the Khalistan sympathiser’s murder. India also admonished Trudeau for issuing directives to investigative agencies to pursue the alleged culprits. Notably, the Canadian PM had alleged their agencies were actively perusing ‘credible allegations’ of potential links between agents of the government of India in the killing of a Canadian citizen (referring to the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey on June 18).

India made its position clear to the top officials of the Trudeau government, adding that giving political directions to investigative agencies was a crime in law.

ALSO READ: 'Security Of UN Peacekeepers Important': India Backs Joint Statement Against Israeli Action 

The meeting between the top officials of both sides took place after PM Modi and his Canadian counterpart walked together from a lounge to the dining venue at the ASEAN summit on October 11.

While Trudeau's state media reported that a brief exchange occurred between him and PM Modi, sources, cited by HT, indicated that the Indian side effectively told Trudeau it was “not the time and place” for such a discussion. Also, it was reported that no handshake transpired between the two leaders.

ALSO READ: Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Shooter Behind Delhi Gym Owner's Killing, Nabbed In Police Encounter 

Indian side later issued a comprehensive statement on the issue. The statement says there was no conversation between the two leaders as India was concerned over Trudeau’s stance in dealing with Khalistani elements breeding in Canada. India side said while it values its relationship with Canada, it cannot be improved unless the Canadian government takes strong and verifiable actions against individuals promoting anti-India activities, hate, disinformation, and violence in both countries.