Canada Alleges Indian Minister’s Involvement in Violence Against Sikhs
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — A Canadian official alleged Tuesday that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation, and intelligence-gathering targeting Sikh separatists inside Canada.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison told Parliament members of the national security committee that he confirmed Shah’s name to The Washington Post, which first reported the allegations.
“The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” Morrison told the committee.
Morrison did not disclose how Canada substantiated Shah’s alleged involvement.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously asserted that Canada possessed credible evidence linking Indian government agents to the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June 2023.
A Diplomatic Row
A diplomatic conflict has escalated, straining the bilateral relations between India and Canada for over a year, as both countries expelled each other’s top diplomats over Nijjar’s killing and related allegations.
Canadian authorities have asserted that they shared evidence of Nijjar’s case with Indian officials.
Indian government representatives have denied receiving any such evidence, labeling the allegations as absurd. India’s embassy in Ottawa did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the claims against Shah.
On October 14, Canada expelled the Indian high commissioner and five other diplomats, alleging their involvement in various cases of coercion, intimidation, and violence aimed at stifling a campaign for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan.
Canada is not alone in accusing Indian officials of plotting assassinations abroad. The United States Justice Department announced criminal charges in mid-October against an Indian government employee related to a foiled murder attempt on a Sikh separatist leader in New York City.
Nathalie Drouin, Trudeau’s national security adviser, stated to the committee that Canada possesses evidence indicating the Indian government initially gathered information on Indian nationals and Canadian citizens through diplomatic channels and proxies.
This information was then allegedly relayed to New Delhi, which purportedly collaborates with a criminal network linked to Lawrence Bishnoi—currently imprisoned in India. Drouin indicated that this network has been associated with homicides, assassination plots, and other violent crimes in Canada.
Before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) publicized the allegations regarding Indian diplomats, Drouin mentioned attempts to engage with the Indian government to ensure accountability.
A meeting was held with India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, in Singapore two days earlier, where it was decided to go public due to the Indian government’s lack of cooperation with Canada’s proposed accountability measures.
These measures included a request to India to waive diplomatic immunity for the individuals of interest, such as the high commissioner in Ottawa. Drouin noted that this was unlikely to happen.
The RCMP stated that it chose to publicly announce ongoing investigations due to threats to public safety.
The Indian government continues to deny these allegations and has responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats in a reciprocal measure.
Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot in his pickup truck after leaving the Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia. An Indian-born Canadian citizen, Nijjar was known for his leadership in the movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland.
Four Indian nationals residing in Canada have been charged with Nijjar’s murder and are currently awaiting trial.
Evidence presented during the committee hearing included testimonies from Drouin, Morrison, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mike Duheme, alongside the director of Canada’s spy service.
Discussion with Experts
To provide further insights into this complex international incident, we spoke with several experts:
1. Dr. Amandeep Singh – Political Analyst
“It’s imperative to understand the geopolitical implications of these allegations. Canada and India’s diplomatic relations have been rocky, and these accusations could potentially lead to greater tensions.”
2. Professor Lisa Reynolds – International Relations Scholar
“The accusations of extraterritorial violence highlight a concerning trend where states feel empowered to act against dissidents abroad. This case sets a worrying precedent.”
3. Raj Patel – Human Rights Advocate
“The allegations raise significant human rights concerns. It’s crucial for both governments to ensure transparency and accountability in their actions.”
What are your thoughts on these serious allegations? Join the conversation in the comments below!