In a bold accusation further straining Canada-India diplomatic ties, Canada’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, David Morrison, confirmed that Indian Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, allegedly orchestrated violence and intimidation against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. Shah, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and widely regarded as one of India’s most powerful officials, is accused of being directly involved in a campaign targeting Sikh activists advocating for an independent Khalistan.
Background of Allegations Against Shah
Canadian officials publicly alleged Shah's role during a parliamentary panel discussion on Tuesday, with Morrison revealing he had confirmed Shah’s involvement to The Washington Post. “The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” Morrison testified. However, he withheld any additional evidence or details connecting Shah to the incidents.
The Indian government has yet to respond directly to the allegations against Shah, although New Delhi has dismissed Canada’s previous accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. Unnamed Indian sources also reportedly deem Canada’s evidence “flimsy,” doubting it would implicate Shah or significantly impact his standing.
A Growing Diplomatic Rift
These allegations come amid rising tensions following the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist and separatist leader, who was shot dead in British Columbia. Canada expelled several Indian diplomats following accusations that Indian officials were involved in Nijjar’s murder. In retaliation, India expelled Canadian diplomats from New Delhi, marking a historic low in the countries' relations.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the intelligence linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing as “credible,” asserting that Canadian authorities have made multiple attempts to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels. However, Canada claims that India has consistently denied the allegations and refused to cooperate.
International Concerns and Broader Implications
The diplomatic standoff has stirred reactions from international allies, with the U.S. closely monitoring the situation. In a separate case, the U.S. recently charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav with allegedly orchestrating a failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh activist with dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship. The FBI had previously warned against retaliatory actions by foreign agents targeting U.S. residents.
Historical Tensions & the Khalistan Movement
The roots of this diplomatic row trace back to the Khalistan movement, a separatist campaign advocating for a Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. The movement has little traction within India but remains active among the Sikh diaspora in North America and the U.K. India designates Sikh separatists as “terrorists” and considers them a security threat.
The movement sparked violence in India during the 1980s and 1990s, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. Notable events include the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, triggered after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for ordering military action against Sikh separatists in Amritsar’s Golden Temple.
Responses and Next Steps
The ongoing diplomatic crisis could redefine Canada and India’s relations with the West, particularly as the U.S. and allies view India as a strategic counterbalance to China’s influence in Asia. While Canada insists it has provided India with evidence supporting its claims, Indian officials maintain their position, asserting they have seen no compelling evidence.
As Canada continues to investigate, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact India’s broader international relations and whether further sanctions or international inquiries might follow.
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