Escalating Tensions: Canada-India Relations on the Rocks Over Allegations of Targeting Sikh Separatists
Accusations of Plotting Violence and Intimidation
The Canadian government has accused Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of being behind plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. Shah is the Minister of Home Affairs in the Indian government and a key figure in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
India Denies Baseless Accusations
The Indian government has dismissed Canada’s prior accusations as baseless, denying any involvement in the alleged plots. The Washington Post newspaper first reported that Canadian officials alleged Shah was behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
Canadian Government Confirmation
Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison confirmed the allegations during a parliamentary panel discussion, stating, "The journalist called me and asked if it (Shah) was that person. I confirmed it was that person." However, he did not provide further details or evidence to support these claims.
Context: India’s View on Sikh Separatists
India has referred to Sikh separatists as "terrorists" and a threat to its security. Sikh separatists demand an independent homeland known as Khalistan, which they hope to carve out of India. An insurgency in India during the 1980s and 1990s killed tens of thousands. This period also saw the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which left thousands dead following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.
Recent Developments
This is not the first instance of alleged Indian involvement in targeting Sikh separatists abroad. Canada expelled Indian diplomats in October 2023, linking them to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India responded by expelling Canadian diplomats. In the United States, a former Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, has been charged with allegedly directing a foiled plot to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and Indian critic in New York City.
Global Implications
The accusations have strained the relationships between Washington and Ottawa with India, which is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to China. The FBI warned against retaliatory actions aimed at a U.S. resident, while India has remained largely silent on the U.S. allegations since announcing a formal investigation in November 2023.
FAQs
Q: What did Canadian Minister David Morrison say about Amit Shah’s involvement in targeting Sikh separatists?
A: Morrison confirmed that Shah was behind the plots, but did not provide further details or evidence.
Q: What is the Indian government’s stance on the allegations?
A: India has denied any involvement and dismissed the accusations as baseless.
Q: What is the context behind India’s view of Sikh separatists?
A: India views Sikh separatists as "terrorists" and a threat to its security, and has a history of violence and repression against them.
Q: What are the implications of these tensions on global relations?
A: The allegations have strained relationships between Washington and Ottawa with India, with potential long-term implications for global security and diplomacy.