Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused the Indian government of orchestrating violence within Canada, escalating tensions between the two countries over alleged Indian targeting of Sikh separatists, Al Jazeera reports.
Trudeau made the serious allegations during a public inquiry into foreign interference on Wednesday, saying there is “ever clearer indication” that India violated Canadian sovereignty by targeting Sikh dissidents within its territory. He deemed India’s actions a “horrific mistake.”
These accusations come on the heels of a diplomatic standoff that began with the June 2023 assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, advocated for an independent Khalistani state.
Following his murder, Trudeau declared Canada had obtained credible evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination. Four Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with the killing, which India vehemently denies involvement in.
On Monday, India again rejected claims of its involvement, labelling Nijjar a “terrorist” and calling the allegations “preposterous” and a “strategy of smearing India for political gains.”
However, Trudeau, speaking at the inquiry, went further, suggesting Nijjar’s murder was part of a wider Indian operation targeting dissidents within Canada. He emphasized that while Canada doesn’t seek conflict with its significant trading partner, it will not compromise on its sovereignty.
This diplomatic crisis is further complicated by accusations from the United States. In November 2023, the US Department of Justice charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with plotting to assassinate Sikh American activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly in coordination with an Indian government employee.
On Wednesday, a US State Department spokesperson confirmed a productive meeting with India regarding the probe into the foiled plot.
