Ottawa (Web Desk/Agencies): The Canadian government has accused Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of orchestrating efforts to target Sikh separatists within Canada.
This allegation, first reported by The Washington Post, has been firmly rejected by the Indian government, which describes the claims as unfounded.
During a parliamentary session, Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison confirmed to the committee that he had identified Shah as the individual behind these alleged plots, although he did not provide specific evidence or further details.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa and the Indian foreign ministry have not yet responded to these allegations.
India has characterized Sikh separatists as terrorists and threats to its national security, with many advocating for the establishment of an independent Khalistan. This issue has deep historical roots, marked by a violent insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s that resulted in numerous deaths, including the tragic 1984 anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Recently, Canada expelled Indian diplomats, linking them to the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In retaliation, India also ordered the expulsion of Canadian diplomats.
These allegations are part of a broader pattern, as there have been previous claims of India's targeting of Sikh separatists abroad.Notably, a former Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, has been charged in the US for allegedly attempting to orchestrate the assassination of Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City.
The FBI has raised concerns about possible retaliatory actions aimed at US citizens.
The unfolding situation has tested the diplomatic relations between Washington, Ottawa, and New Delhi, complicating India's role as a strategic counterbalance to China in the view of Western nations.