Canadian officials admit to leaking sensitive details about India’s foreign interference.
In a significant development amidst escalating tensions between Canada and India, top Canadian officials have acknowledged leaking details of India’s alleged foreign interference to The Washington Post.
However, the specifics of these claims have not been disclosed to the Canadian public.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser, Nathalie Drouin, confirmed her role in sharing sensitive information regarding the Indian government’s purported involvement in murder, extortion, and coercion.
During her testimony before the Commons Public Safety Committee, Drouin stated that she did not seek Trudeau’s authorization for the leak, indicating that only non-classified intelligence was shared.
Escalating Tensions Over Allegations
Tensions have further escalated with Canada alleging that Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah orchestrated plots targeting Khalistani supporters on Canadian soil.
According to The Washington Post, Canadian officials accused Shah of leading a campaign of intimidation and violence against Khalistani activists.
In contrast, India has categorically dismissed these accusations as baseless, asserting that it has no involvement in these matters.
Link to Recent Killings
The leaked information reportedly connected India to the recent killing of Sikh activist Sukhdool Singh Gill in Winnipeg on September 20, 2023.
This follows Trudeau’s earlier allegations in the House of Commons linking India to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
Although charges have not yet been filed in Gill’s case, Canadian officials, including RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, have stated that there is evidence suggesting Indian involvement in multiple killings.
Diplomatic Fallout
The diplomatic fallout has been severe, with Canada expelling several Indian diplomats and India retaliating by expelling six Canadian diplomats.
The situation escalated further when the US charged an Indian national in an alleged plot against a pro-Khalistani leader on American soil.
This ongoing diplomatic conflict continues to unfold with significant implications for both countries.