Baby Chakraborty & Agencies, KalimNews, October 30, 2024, New Delhi: A new report from The Washington Post has intensified the ongoing diplomatic crisis between India and Canada, alleging that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah approved an anti-Khalistan operation linked to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This claim was reportedly confirmed by Canada’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, during a closed session of the national security committee.
The Washington Post’s report asserts that a high-ranking Indian leader, identified as Amit Shah, played a pivotal role in sanctioning actions against Khalistani activists in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of being fully complicit in this incident, though Indian officials have categorically denied any involvement.
The tensions between the two nations have escalated significantly, with diplomatic relations at an all-time low. Despite Canada’s serious allegations, which include claims of Indian agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s murder, Indian authorities have yet to receive any substantiated evidence to corroborate these accusations.
In an effort to address the diplomatic fallout, Canada’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Stuart Ross Wheeler, has been summoned for consultations. Meanwhile, Morrison indicated that Sanjay Verma, a senior Indian diplomat, might possess information pertinent to the investigation of Nijjar’s murder, further complicating the situation.
The allegations against Amit Shah have sparked outrage, with Canadian authorities accusing him of leading a campaign of intimidation against Sikh separatists residing in Canada. Morrison stated to the committee, “The journalist asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” referring to Shah, but did not disclose any specific evidence to support the claims.
In a related context, the United States has charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav for allegedly plotting to assassinate another Sikh separatist leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York City, further illustrating the geopolitical complexities at play.
Nathalie Drouin, Trudeau’s national security adviser, claimed that there is credible evidence of the Indian government conducting surveillance on Indian nationals and Canadian citizens via diplomatic channels and proxies. However, Indian officials have dismissed Canada’s evidence as “very weak” and “flimsy,” reiterating their denial of any wrongdoing.
As the conflict simmers, the Modi administration continues to label Sikh separatists as terrorists, stemming from a history of violent clashes that peaked during the 1980s and 1990s, which left tens of thousands dead.
This unfolding diplomatic saga raises pressing questions about international relations and the responsibilities of nations in addressing separatist movements within their borders. The coming days may prove critical as both countries navigate this turbulent period in their bilateral relations.