In a recent press conference, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revealed that agents of the Indian government and its intelligence agencies are allegedly using criminal networks in Canada to target Sikh activists. According to the RCMP, these networks are involved in violent activities, including extortion, with direct ties to Indian authorities and consulate personnel based in Canada.
India’s foreign ministry acknowledged receiving a communication from Canada about the investigation but provided no specifics. The ministry condemned what it called a “deliberate strategy” by the Canadian government to smear India, warning that it reserves the right to take further action in response.
India’s envoy in Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, labeled the claims as politically motivated and influenced by Sikh separatist movements. Trudeau, earlier in 2023, had expressed hope that India would engage in resolving the matter, urging cooperation to “get to the bottom of this very serious issue.”
Adding to the tensions, the U.S. recently alleged that Indian agents were involved in an attempted assassination plot targeting another Sikh separatist leader in New York. Unlike its aggressive response to Canada, India reacted more cautiously to the U.S. claims, expressing concern but distancing itself from the plot.
The The revelation adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Canada and India, as diplomatic disputes continue to grow over allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leaders in Canada.
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