RCMP Chief: No Current Evidence Links India to Transnational Repression in Canada

RCMP Chief: No Current Evidence Links India to Clandestine Activities in Canada

OTTAWA /New Delhi– In a significant development that could signal a definitive "thaw" in the long-strained relationship between Ottawa and New Delhi, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has stated that there is currently no evidence linking the Government of India to ongoing transnational repression or clandestine activities within Canada.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Friday, March 20, 2026, Commissioner Duheme clarified the current status of national security investigations. His comments come just weeks after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s successful state visit to India, which many viewed as a strategic reset of the bilateral partnership.

"Connecting the Dots" to Foreign Entities

While acknowledging the presence of general harassment and intimidation within certain diaspora communities, Duheme emphasized that current criminal intelligence does not point back to a foreign state.

"In the files that we have that involve transnational repression, we're not seeing any connection right now with any foreign entity, based on the criminal information and investigations we have presently," Duheme told CTV's Question Period.

He further clarified that while the RCMP remains vigilant against any form of interference, the specific "dots" that once linked violent crimes to Indian proxies in 2024 are not present in current operational holdings.

A Departure from 2023-2024 Tensions

This assessment marks a stark contrast to the rhetoric of the previous few years. In late 2023, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged "credible links" between Indian agents and the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to a historic diplomatic freeze and the mutual expulsion of top diplomats.

However, since Prime Minister Mark Carney took office, there has been a concerted effort to normalize ties. Carney’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai focused on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, rather than the security grievances that dominated the previous administration.

Ongoing Vigilance and Community Safety

Despite the lack of current links to the Indian government, Duheme stressed that the RCMP continues to investigate cases of extortion and intimidation involving criminal networks, such as the Bishnoi gang. He noted that while these groups use various names to incite fear, current evidence does not confirm they are acting at the behest of New Delhi.

The Commissioner urged the public to remain proactive: "If you see something, say something. If it's not reported, there's little we can do."

The Road to Normalization

For viewers and businesses following the Canada-India corridor, this update is a breath of fresh air. The move from "turbulence to stability" suggests that both nations are ready to prioritize trade, talent mobility, and shared security goals.

As Canada and India move toward signing a major trade deal by the end of 2026, the RCMP’s latest findings provide the necessary security clearance for a deeper, more trust-based diplomatic future.