In a stunning revelation, an official familiar with the matter revealed to The Associated Press that the allegation of India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh Canadian is based on a combination of human and surveillance intelligence, including signals intelligence from Indian diplomats in Canada. The official further disclosed that some of the intelligence was shared by a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, which comprises the U.S., Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. However, specific details of the intelligence and the identity of the ally providing it were not disclosed.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation first reported these intelligence details, further escalating the existing rift between India and Canada. The relationship between the two countries, long regarded as key strategic partners in security and trade, has reached its lowest point in years, ever since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist in a Vancouver suburb earlier this year.
The alleged victim, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen, was shot dead outside the temple he led in Surrey. Trudeau’s assertion of “credible allegations” has triggered a tit-for-tat exchange between the two nations, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats. India has vehemently denied the allegations, labelling them as “absurd.” Despite the seriousness of the claim, Canada has not yet provided any concrete evidence to support Trudeau’s assertion. Canadian UN Ambassador Bob Rae indicated that evidence may not be forthcoming immediately but emphasized the importance of the pursuit of justice.
In response to the escalating tension, India has instructed Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff and has halted the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens. Consequently, the company responsible for processing Indian visas in Canada has suspended their services indefinitely. This visa suspension affects Canadians intending to travel to India until normal services resume. Canadians are among the top tourists visiting India, with 80,000 Canadian visitors in 2021 alone.
The Indian External Affairs Ministry cited safety concerns as the reason for the visa suspension, stating that security threats facing Indian diplomatic missions in Canada have disrupted their operations. Indian officials have demanded a decrease in the number of Canadian diplomats in India, emphasizing the need for parity.
As the situation unfolds, tensions between the two nations are escalating rapidly. India has accused Canada of harboring terrorists and providing a safe haven for individuals involved in criminal activities on Indian soil. Meanwhile, Canada has long faced criticism from India for allowing Sikh separatists to operate freely, including individuals like Nijjar.
The killing of Nijjar has reopened wounds related to the Sikh insurgency that shook parts of India in the 1970s and 1980s, resulting in a bloody crackdown. While the active insurgency ended long ago, concerns over the resurgence of Sikh separatist movements persist. India has pressured countries like Canada, which has a significant Sikh population, to take stricter measures against these groups.
The strained diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has also impacted their defense and trade ties, with a significant trade deal now on hold. Moreover, recent interactions between Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were marked by tension, further indicating a deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
In the midst of this diplomatic crisis, India’s National Investigation Agency has intensified its crackdown on Sikh insurgents operating within India. The agency has announced rewards for information leading to the arrest of five insurgents, one of whom is believed to be based in neighboring Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of supporting insurgencies in the Kashmir region, adding another layer of complexity to the already strained relationships in South Asia.
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