Canada, which recently expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations of involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists, has denied having evidence directly linking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to violence on Canadian soil.

Last month, Canada’s foreign ministry accused Amit Shah, a key figure in Modi’s government, of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation targeting individuals in Canada. Ottawa has also claimed to have evidence implicating Indian government agents in the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

This week, The Globe and Mail reported that Canadian security agencies believed Modi was aware of the alleged violent plots and suggested that Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were also involved.

In response, Nathalie Drouin, intelligence adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, issued a statement of denial on the government website late Thursday night.

“The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate,” she said.

Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s killing. India has firmly rejected any claims that its agents were involved in violence against Sikh separatists in Canada.

Canada, home to the largest Sikh population outside India’s Punjab state, has seen numerous demonstrations advocating for a separate Sikh homeland, which have strained relations with New Delhi.

India has labeled the Sikh separatists as “terrorists” and views their activities as threats to its national security.