Ottawa
Canadian authorities have acknowledged leaking information about alleged Indian interference to The Washington Post, directly implicating Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This disclosure occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, sparked by claims that Shah orchestrated intimidation campaigns against Khalistani activists in Canada.
Leak Admission:
Canada’s National Security Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison confirmed they shared non-classified intelligence with the U.S. publication. Drouin clarified that the disclosure did not require approval from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, emphasizing that the information was unclassified.
Allegations Against India:
The leaked intelligence suggests that Shah directed activities from New Delhi targeting Khalistani supporters. This comes after Trudeau’s recent statement in the House of Commons, alleging a connection between the Indian government and the June 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Rising diplomatic tensions:
The diplomatic fallout has been intense, with Canada and India expelling each other’s diplomats in a tit-for-tat response. Canada has also hinted at potential sanctions against India, which has consistently denied the accusations.
Link to Other Incidents:
The leak connects India to the recent killing of Sikh activist Sukhdool Singh Gill in Winnipeg, which took place soon after Nijjar’s death. While no charges have been filed in Gill’s case, allegations of Indian involvement in violence against Sikh activists persist.
The situation underscores the increasingly complex and fraught relationship between Canada and India, with serious allegations carrying significant political consequences for both nations.
