Ottawa, Canada – diplomatic fallout between Canada and India has intensified as new testimonies from senior Canadian officials allege that top Indian government officials authorized a covert campaign to intimidate or assassinate Canadian citizens advocating for Sikh separatism. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison testified Tuesday before a parliamentary committee, pointing directly to Amit Shah, India’s Minister of Home Affairs, as having authorized intelligence missions targeting Sikh activists in Canada, in particular those supporting the pro-Khalistan movement.
She claims to follow Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s explosive statement in September, which alleged that agents linked to the Indian government were involved in the June assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist, on Canadian soil. New evidence presented by Morrison represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as he confirmed that journalists had correctly identified Shah as the senior official behind the alleged plot.
High-Level Allegations Against India’s ‘Second Most Powerful Man’
Amit Shah is widely regarded as India’s “second most powerful man,” known for his close alliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and significant influence on Indian domestic and international security policies. According to Morrison, Shah directed Indian intelligence and security agencies to gather intelligence and conduct covert operations against members of Canada’s Sikh community who supported the Khalistan independence movement, which seeks a separate homeland for Sikhs.
“journalists called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” Morrison said before a committee. He explained that while previous statements from Canada’s government alluded only to “high-level” Indian involvement, evidence now clearly links the operation to Shah himself.
RCMP Claims “Strong Evidence” Against Indian Government
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme supported Morrison’s claims, testifying that RCMP investigators have “strong evidence” tying campaign of intimidation and violence to top echelons within India’s government. Duheme said that police have found connections between Indian diplomats and Canadian criminal organizations, who allegedly received directives from Indian authorities to execute or threaten individuals associated with the pro-Khalistan movement.
“evidence assembled by RCMP points to a coordinated campaign, originating from within India’s government, aimed at silencing Sikh separatist voices,” Duheme said. “This is not isolated but part of a comprehensive effort to target those deemed dangerous to India’s interests in Canada.”
Duheme further disclosed that, since September 2023, Canadian law enforcement has issued warnings to 13 individuals they believe face credible threats of violence or harassment from operatives linked to the Indian government. According to Duheme, some individuals received multiple threats, and police have taken steps to safeguard their security.
Diplomatic Retaliation and International Repercussions
Canada’s decision to expel six Indian diplomats from the country on Thanksgiving Monday, including India’s high commissioner, sparked immediate backlash from New Delhi. India responded by expelling Canadian diplomats from its territory and categorically denied accusations, labeling Trudeau’s statements as politically motivated. Indian authorities continue to dismiss claims that y is colluding with criminal groups to suppress Sikh separatist activism abroad.
Advocacy group Sikhs for Justice, which has long called for a Khalistan state, issued a statement Tuesday calling for the prosecution of Amit Shah, accusing him of orchestrating a transnational repression strategy. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal counsel for the organization, stated, “Amit Shah has weaponized India’s security agencies to hunt down and eliminate pro-Khalistan activists, even beyond India’s borders.” He described Nijjar’s assassination as “part of a well-thought-out policy executed under Shah’s directives to crush voices of Sikhs advocating for self-determination and justice.”
Mounting Evidence and International Responses
mounting evidence of foreign interference on Canadian soil has led to calls for broader international condemnation and intervention. Advocacy groups and Canadian officials alike have urged countries to review their dealings with India, citing a potential pattern of extraterritorial operations targeting dissenters. Morrison’s testimony further heightened his concerns, as he alluded to possible intelligence operations across various nations targeting pro-Khalistan activists.
In a rare public statement, RCMP Commissioner Duheme shared that intelligence agencies from allied countries, including those in the Five Eyes network, have been briefed on the situation. Analysts suggest this issue may strain Canada’s relationships within international intelligence circles, given the sensitive nature of allegations and its potential repercussions for diplomatic stability.
Moving Forward Amid Rising Tensions
For now, the expulsion of diplomats and heated exchanges have defined strained relations between Canada and India. Trudeau has maintained that his government is committed to uncovering the full extent of foreign interference, pledging that Canada “will protect the safety and sovereignty of every Canadian.” Despite the fallout, Trudeau’s government continues to push for an impartial investigation, calling on international partners to support Canada’s efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
In response, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s interests against what it terms external “disinformation campaigns.” As diplomatic tensions mount, experts warn that the situation may evolve into a deeper rift that could impact Canada’s trade, intelligence-sharing and regional alliances.
Meanwhile, RCMP has affirmed its commitment to protecting Canadian citizens at risk, but escalating tensions and the gravity of accusations underscore the complexity and scope of what may be a significant international issue. Implications of the allegations, particularly if validated by independent investigations, may reshape not only Canada-India relations but broader discourse on international accountability for state-sponsored violence beyond national borders.
