Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the Indian government for allegedly supporting violent activities against Canadians within Canada. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trudeau characterised this alleged involvement as a “fundamental error” that has placed Canadian sovereignty at risk.
This statement followed a press conference held earlier by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), during which Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed serious allegations linking Indian government agents to a pattern of “widespread violence” in Canada, including extortion and homicide. Duheme described the situation as a “serious threat to our public safety,” marking a significant moment in the fraught diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
As part of the diplomatic fallout, Canada announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats, prompting swift retaliation from India, which ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave the country within a week. Trudeau asserted, “No country, particularly not a democracy that upholds the rule of law, can accept this fundamental violation of its sovereignty.”
The origins of this crisis can be traced back to allegations made last year when Trudeau stated that Canada had evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader. India has categorically denied these claims, but the latest allegations have deepened the rift, suggesting a more extensive criminal campaign orchestrated by Indian officials in Canada.
During his remarks, Trudeau stated, “The RCMP chose to come out today and disrupt the pattern of Indian diplomats collecting—through questionable and illegal means—information on Canadian citizens.” This information, he alleged, was then funneled to criminal organisations that acted violently against individuals, from extortion to murder. Trudeau did not elaborate on the specific roles of the diplomats involved, citing ongoing legal proceedings related to some of the cases.
In a concurrent press briefing, Commissioner Duheme underscored the RCMP’s findings, indicating that the agency had amassed substantial evidence linking Indian government agents to various violent acts, including threats and extortion against members of the South Asian community in Canada, particularly those associated with the pro-Khalistan movement. He noted there have been “well over a dozen” credible threats directed at individuals within this community.
Duheme further explained that Indian diplomats and consular officials in Canada allegedly exploited their official positions to engage in covert activities, gathering intelligence that targeted members of the South Asian community. He remarked, “Some of these individuals and businesses were coerced and threatened into working for the government of India,” adding that this criminal activity posed an ongoing danger to public safety.
As the situation unfolded, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly echoed the gravity of the allegations, stating that the expulsions were necessary given the involvement of sitting diplomats in violent incidents. The Canadian government has requested that India waive diplomatic immunity to facilitate a thorough investigation, a plea that has so far gone unanswered.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed Canada’s accusations as “preposterous,” claiming that Trudeau’s government is motivated by “political agenda” and “vote-bank politics.” They announced the withdrawal of High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, alongside the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, stating, “India now reserves the right to take further steps in response to these latest efforts of the Canadian government.”
The World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomed the RCMP’s announcement, asserting that it confirmed long-held beliefs among the Sikh community regarding India’s alleged interference in Canadian affairs. “India’s criminal activities in Canada must end. India’s targeting of Sikhs must end,” said the organisation’s president, Danish Singh.
The escalating diplomatic crisis is not without historical context. Since Trudeau’s announcement regarding Nijjar’s assassination, the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India has deteriorated sharply, with both nations reducing their diplomatic presence. Recent allegations from the U.S. implicate Indian agents in a separate assassination plot against another Sikh separatist leader in New York, further complicating the situation.
With calls from opposition parties, including the NDP, for more decisive action against the Indian government, including potential sanctions and heightened scrutiny of Indian diplomatic activities in Canada, the situation remains fraught. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh urged unity among Canadian officials to hold the Indian government accountable and to take strong measures against those involved in organised criminal activities.
The Canadian government continues to seek international support, with Joly indicating that she is in contact with her G7 counterparts and that “everything is on the table” regarding potential further actions.
