Canada-India Relations Sour Over Sikh Independence Activist’s Death
The relationship between Ottawa and New Delhi took a hit following the death of a Sikh independence activist on Canadian soil. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed to a commission of inquiry that Canada may have received evidence implicating India in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. Trudeau accused India of carrying out violence against Sikhs in Canada and assassinating the head of the Khalistan independence movement in British Columbia.
Trudeau shared that intelligence agencies, possibly including ‘Five Eyes’ allies, had credible evidence linking India to the murder. The ‘Five Eyes’ partnership involves intelligence sharing among the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite attempting to work with Indian intelligence, Trudeau indicated that India refused to cooperate.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly deflected questions about the incident at the G20 summit, emphasizing Canada’s crackdown on Khalistan separatists. Trudeau stood firm on Canada’s policy while defending the free speech rights of Sikhs in Canada.
The escalating tensions led to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries, with accusations of criminal activities and pandering to specific immigrant communities. Trudeau’s testimony highlighted the challenge of maintaining diplomatic ties amidst such controversy.