Canada accuses India of involvement in criminal activities amid diplomatic tensions

Canada has recently made serious allegations against the Indian government, claiming that New Delhi is directly involved in “serious criminal activities” within its borders. This allegation has heightened tensions between the two nations, particularly over the alleged targeting of pro-Khalist elements by Indian agents collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. These allegations particularly emerged when Bishnoi’s name surfaced in connection with high-profile murders in India, including that of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai.

During a press conference late Monday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers announced that their investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar – a Khalistani activist shot dead in Canada last year – had found links between Indian government agents and “homicidal acts of violence.” ” in Canada. The RCMP’s claims come as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is openly denouncing India over its alleged involvement in the Nijjar killing, further complicating diplomatic relations.

The RCMP said its evidence suggests that various individuals and companies in Canada and possibly abroad were coerced into gathering information for the Indian government. This information is allegedly used to target individuals within the South Asian community, particularly those perceived to be pro-Khalistani. Deputy Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin noted that while the South Asian community is being targeted, the focus is primarily on pro-Khalistani individuals.

Gauvin stressed that organized crime groups, particularly the Bishnoi gang, were being used by Indian agents to carry out these operations. The gang, which has attracted attention in India for its involvement in various criminal activities, is believed to have a presence in Canada through allies. The RCMP’s statements suggest that these collaborations may be part of a broader strategy by the Indian government to monitor and suppress pro-Khalistani sentiments abroad.

The implications of this situation are significant, particularly as Canada has long been accused by India of harboring Khalistani extremists. In particular, the bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people, is often cited as a tragic example of the consequences of such extremism. Indian officials have repeatedly raised concerns that Canada has become a haven for people linked to organized crime, heightening tensions over immigration policies that allow people with criminal backgrounds to enter.

In light of these escalating allegations, the Canadian government’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from Indian officials. Following the RCMP’s press conference, India’s Foreign Ministry issued a stern rebuke, saying Canada had not provided any tangible evidence to support its claims against India. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar previously expressed concern that Canada’s immigration policy has allowed criminals from Punjab to enter the country without proper screening, further complicating the matter.

The latest allegations come at a particularly sensitive time as India has raised alarm over the activities of Khalistani followers in Canada, suggesting that they pose a threat not only to India but also to Canada’s internal security. Jaishankar’s comments about accepting criminals into Canada were echoed by Indian diplomats, who argued that the Canadian government had not done enough to counter the growing influence of separatist movements within its borders.

As the diplomatic row escalates, Canada’s decision to name Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the Nijjar murder investigation has led to significant retaliation from New Delhi. In response to the ongoing allegations, the Indian government has recalled its top envoy from Canada and expelled six Canadian diplomats.

Prime Minister Trudeau, in his address to the media, claimed that he had made several attempts to cooperate with India on the Nijjar case but faced resistance from New Delhi. This narrative was met with skepticism by Indian officials, who accused Trudeau of exploiting the situation for domestic political gain amid growing concerns about separatist elements in Canada.

As the diplomatic standoff continues, both nations remain stuck in their positions. The allegations and counter-allegations have not only strained bilateral relations but also raised broader questions about the impact of organized crime and extremism on global security. With neither side appearing willing to back down, the path forward could require significant diplomatic intervention to resolve these rising tensions.

Read More: Uddhav Thackeray undergoes pre-scheduled cardiac scan and is ready to resume work