Canada Accuses Indian Government of Involvement in Activist’s Killing, Supposedly Supported by Five Eyes Intel
In a significant development that has strained bilateral relations, Canada has leveled accusations against the Indian government, alleging its involvement in the targeted killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known pro-Khalistani activist residing in Canada. Citing evidence collected through an extensive months-long investigation, Canadian authorities claim to possess human and signals intelligence that implicates Indian diplomats and officials in the deadly incident. Notably, this intelligence was not only amassed by Canada but also shared by an undisclosed member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which counts Australia, New Zealand, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK) as its partners.
The allegations by Canada have dealt a severe blow to the already strained relations between the two nations. India has vehemently refuted the charges, dismissing them as politically motivated and demanding concrete evidence to support the claims. Nevertheless, Canada has refrained from releasing the evidence it has gathered, asserting that it may be presented during a possible legal process. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has remained tight-lipped on the intelligence reports, citing the ongoing investigation and the country’s obligations to its Five Eyes partners.
The Canadian authorities have reportedly made multiple visits to India, seeking cooperation in the investigation into Nijjar’s untimely demise. The National Security and Intelligence Adviser of Canada, Jody Thomas, embarked on two visits to India, spending a total of nine days. One of his visits coincided with the G20 Summit held in Delhi, where tensions escalated between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite these visits, it has been revealed that no Indian official expressly denied Canada’s allegations when questioned behind closed doors.
Contrary to reports that the United States (US) snubbed Canada’s request for support against India, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has dismissed such claims. It has been disclosed that US President Joe Biden, along with the other members of the Five Eyes alliance, raised concerns about Nijjar’s killing directly with Prime Minister Modi during the G20 Summit. The revelation that a member of the Five Eyes alliance furnished intelligence pertaining to the case has raised suspicions about the possibility of these partner countries attempting to deceive India while simultaneously desiring its friendship to counterbalance China’s influence.
Of late, Indian consulates have faced multiple attacks orchestrated by Khalistani extremists, exacerbating tensions between the two nations. India’s premier counter-terrorism task force, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), had planned to visit Canada to investigate these attacks. However, due to the ongoing diplomatic spat, the NIA’s trip has been postponed indefinitely. The mention of signals intelligence in the report has raised concerns about potential surveillance of Indian diplomats by the Canadian government. Signals intelligence pertains to the collection of information through the interception of electronic signals and communication systems.
As the allegations and counter-allegations between Canada and India persist, and evidence remains undisclosed, a balanced assessment of the situation is crucial. It is essential for both nations to engage in transparent dialogue and cooperation to address the concerns arising from the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the wider issue of Khalistani extremism. The gravity of these allegations demands a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the truth and prevent further escalation of tensions.
