Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada are escalating, following serious new allegations that have strained relations. On Tuesday, Canada accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating a campaign to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. This development comes amid an ongoing investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada earlier this year, which has already led to the expulsion of diplomats from both nations.
Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison informed Parliament that he confirmed to The Washington Post that Shah was behind a campaign involving violence, intimidation, and intelligence gathering aimed at Sikh separatists in Canada. According to PTI, Morrison stated, “The journalist called me and asked if it [Shah] was that person. I confirmed it was that person.” The Washington Post was the first to report these allegations, citing unnamed Canadian officials who claim Shah, a key figure in the Narendra Modi government, orchestrated the campaign.
While no evidence has been presented to support these allegations, the Globe and Mail reported that leaked information also implicated India in the killing of Sikh activist Sukhdool Singh Gill, who was shot in Winnipeg on September 20, 2023.
India has not formally responded to the allegations. However, two Indian government sources told Reuters that the information is “very weak” and “flimsy,” indicating they do not foresee significant repercussions for Shah or the Indian government.
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who was expelled in October alongside five other diplomats, denied any involvement in Nijjar’s murder. Verma described the allegations as politically motivated, stating, “Nothing at all,” when asked about his potential role in the shooting, and adding, “No evidence presented. Politically motivated.”
Amid this escalating diplomatic dispute, reports surfaced that the U.S. might consider expelling Indian diplomats. However, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller quickly dismissed these claims, saying, “I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats… I’m not aware of any such expulsion.”
The ongoing diplomatic row has also affected cultural events, with Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilievre canceling the Diwali celebrations planned for Parliament Hill due to strained relations with India. The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event organizer, expressed disappointment over the cancellation in a letter to Poilievre, with president Shiv Bhasker writing, “It is with extreme disappointment and sadness that I am writing this letter to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of Opposition canceling the 24th Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill.”
This diplomatic spat is rapidly evolving and has significant implications for bilateral relations. The investigation into Nijjar’s murder, the accusations against Amit Shah, and potential further diplomatic actions continue to heighten tensions between India and Canada. As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear what steps both countries will take to resolve the conflict and restore diplomatic ties.
