Canada’s Espionage on Indian Diplomats Sparks Cooperation in Nijjar Murder Probe

Canada has alleged Indian involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani extremist and conducted espionage on Indian officials and consulates. A Canadian official disclosed this information to the Associated Press (AP). The official stated that Canada has been monitoring Indian officials and consulates in the country.

Apart from the Five Eyes alliance countries (USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada), Canada also sought assistance in gathering confidential information. According to CBC News, communication by Indian officials, such as who they met with and what messages were exchanged, was tracked as part of this operation.

CBC News reported that a Canadian official accused Indian authorities of not cooperating when it came to investigating the murder of the Khalistani extremist. The official claimed that when Indian officials were seen trying to close doors, they did not deny the involvement of the Indian government in the murder.

Canadian NSA Visited India Twice This Year

Apart from media reports, it has also been mentioned that Canadian officials, in their efforts to investigate the murder of Nirjar, had multiple meetings with Indian authorities. The Canadian NSA, Jody Thomas, visited India for four days in August. Additionally, they visited India for five days this year, meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau Says No Allegations Made Against India in Assassination Case

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau stated on Thursday, after the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, that no allegations have been made against India regarding the investigation into the murder. However, Canada has taken the matter seriously. So far, no evidence has been presented regarding these allegations.

Khalistani Extremist Hardeep Singh’s Murder Causes Tension Between India and Canada

Tensions between India and Canada have escalated following Canada’s accusation against India for the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh. The United States has also shown support for Canada in this matter. On Thursday evening, National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan, during a press conference at the White House, mentioned that they support Canada’s efforts in the investigation into Nirjar’s murder.

Five Eyes Intelligence Sharing Alliance

The Five Eyes alliance is an intelligence sharing alliance that includes the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. These countries share confidential information among themselves. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had raised the issue of Nirjar’s death with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 18. The Indian government had dismissed these claims as baseless.

Canada Fully Supports

The U.S. NSA added, “Regarding the allegations made by Canada’s Prime Minister, we’ve heard them publicly, and we are just as concerned as they are. We continue to work closely with Canada, which is our partner, to make sure that whatever has happened continues to be fully investigated, and that those responsible are held to account.”

“I won’t speak to private diplomatic conversations, but we have been in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts. We are offering advice while maintaining a close relationship with them,” Sullivan said.

Resolution of Disagreements Between the United States and Canada

“This is a matter of concern for us,” Sullivan said. “It’s a matter that we take very seriously. We will protect our fundamental principles. Some media reports have suggested that there are disagreements between the United States and Canada on this issue. We have dispelled these allegations.”

Sullivan emphasized, “Whatever allegations have been made by Canada, we want this investigation to proceed and for the perpetrators to be punished. Since this matter has come to public attention, we are closely monitoring it.”

Biden Did Not Share Information on India Trip

Sullivan revealed that in January, President Biden declined to respond to questions about a potential meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his possible trip to India. He stated that they did not have any information at that time about President Biden’s meeting with Indian officials or his visit to India.

On September 20, U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had mentioned that during the G-20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi had extended an invitation to President Joe Biden to visit India for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year.