Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has revealed that the national police force made public allegations against Indian diplomats this week to prevent further violence in the country. Trudeau stated that the Royal Canadian Police shared the allegations to disrupt drive-by shootings, violent extortions, and even murder that had been taking place.
The RCMP identified India’s top diplomat and five others as persons of interest in the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The investigation uncovered evidence of an intensifying campaign against Canadians by agents of the Indian government. Trudeau emphasised that the decision to go public was necessary for public safety and to disrupt ongoing criminal activities.
Trudeau clarified that the aim was not to provoke a conflict with India but to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Canadians. He mentioned that the Indian government’s aggressive interference in Canadian affairs led to the need for a response to safeguard Canadians. The strained bilateral relations between India and Canada further escalated this week as both countries expelled each other’s top diplomats over the allegations.
According to Trudeau, Canadian officials had previously provided evidence privately to Indian counterparts, who were uncooperative. The RCMP Commissioner, Mike Duheme, mentioned that there is evidence linking Indian government agents to other violent acts in Canada, including homicides. The RCMP identified credible threats, leading to warnings to the South Asian community, particularly supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement.
India has refuted the accusations, calling them absurd, while criticising Trudeau’s government for its stance on Khalistan movement supporters in Canada. The movement seeks an independent Sikh homeland and has garnered support among the Sikh diaspora, notably in Canada. The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent figure in the movement, had a significant impact on the relations between both countries.
Trudeau revealed that Canada refrained from making the allegations public during the G20 Summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 to address the matter privately. However, after unsuccessful attempts to elicit cooperation from India, Trudeau decided to go public with the allegations due to concerns for public safety in Canada. The British government has urged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation into the escalating violent crimes allegedly involving Indian government entities in Canada.
In conclusion, the revelations regarding Indian diplomats and their alleged involvement in violent activities in Canada have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. Trudeau’s testimony before the Foreign Interference Commission shed light on the efforts undertaken to address the security concerns and uphold Canadian sovereignty in the face of external interference.