India has firmly denied allegations implicating one of its ministers in a scheme to target Sikh communities and orchestrate anti-Sikh violence in Canada. The accusations, which have triggered diplomatic tensions between the two nations, surfaced amidst heightened concerns over foreign interference and the safety of diasporic communities.
The allegations, which have not been substantiated with detailed evidence, claim that the minister conspired to undermine Sikh activists and leaders in Canada. These activists have been vocal in their demands for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland, which India has long considered a serious national security concern. In response to the claims, Indian officials have labeled them as baseless and politically motivated, emphasizing commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Canada.
India denies minister plotted
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that its diplomatic engagements focus on counterterrorism efforts and peaceful coexistence. The Indian government stressed that it does not condone violence or interference in the internal affairs of other countries, framing these allegations as a misrepresentation of its anti-terrorism policies. Indian officials have also underscored that the Sikh community in India, one of the country’s most vibrant and integral populations, continues to practice its faith freely and contribute actively to society.
Meanwhile, Canadian officials are reportedly reviewing the claims and assessing any potential impact on national security. The incident adds another layer of complexity to an already delicate relationship between the two nations, which has faced tensions over differing stances on Sikh separatism and the increasing influence of Sikh diaspora activism. The Canadian government has a significant Sikh population, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, making these issues politically and socially sensitive.
Community leaders and advocacy groups in Canada have expressed concern over the accusations, calling for transparency and thorough investigations to ensure the safety of Sikh Canadians. Some worry that these geopolitical disputes could escalate, putting the community at risk and straining the social fabric of multicultural Canada.
This development comes amid broader global discussions about foreign meddling and the responsibilities of host countries to protect their citizens and residents from external threats. Both India and Canada have complex histories with the Khalistan movement, which saw significant violence in the 1980s but remains a contentious topic today.
As of now, diplomatic channels remain open, with both sides emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue. However, the situation continues to evolve, and it remains to be seen how this dispute will influence the future of India-Canada relations.
But this week, Canadian officials said Ottawa had traced a broader campaign targeting Canadian Sikh activists to the highest levels of India’s government, implicating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s powerful right-hand man.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said that a Canadian diplomat had been summoned and issued a letter to formally protest the accusation against Shah.
Testifying before a Canadian parliamentary committee this week, deputy foreign ministry David Morrison confirmed a Washington Post story implicating Shah in a plot to intimidate and even kill Canadian Sikhs.
The Post cited an unnamed senior Canadian official as having said that Shah authorised an intelligence gathering and attacks campaign, including the 2023 killing of Nijjar.
Morrison said he was a source for the information, telling the committee: “The journalist called me and asked me if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person.”
Canada is home to the largest Sikh community outside of India, and includes activists for “Khalistan”, a fringe separatist movement seeking an independent state for the religious minority carved out of Indian territory.
Diplomatic freefall
Jaiswal hit back for New Delhi on Saturday by accusing Canadian officials of deliberately leaking “unfounded insinuations” to the media to “discredit India”.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the national police have in the past said there were “clear indications” of India’s involvement in the murder, as well as a broad campaign of intimidation, violence and other threats against Khalistan activists.
India has repeatedly dismissed the allegations, which have sent diplomatic relations into freefall.
Delhi and Ottawa last month each expelled the other’s ambassador and other senior diplomats.
The day after Morrison spoke, a Canadian spy agency issued a report warning that India was using cyber technology to track Sikh separatists abroad and had also stepped up cyber attacks against Canadian government networks.
Source: eNCA
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