NEW YORK: Canada reportedly made efforts to secure the support of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing nations for a joint condemnation of India over its alleged involvement in the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
These efforts preceded Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public statements regarding “credible allegations” of Indian government agents being linked to Nijjar’s murder. However, Western officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to The Washington Post, revealed that Ottawa’s requests were declined as Western leaders sought to avoid disrupting the G20 Summit in New Delhi, deemed an important moment for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Canadian Foreign Ministry spokespersons have denied asking for the support of the Five Eyes nations for a joint condemnation against India. In a statement to The Washington Post, they dismissed claims that Canada had asked its allies to publicly denounce Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder and had been rebuffed as “false.”
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar occurred on June 18 in the parking lot of a gurdwara in British Columbia’s Surrey. Three months later, on Monday, Prime Minister Trudeau made the startling allegation in the House of Commons that “agents of the Indian government” were involved in Nijjar’s murder. India swiftly dismissed these claims as “absurd and motivated,” expressing growing concerns about Canadian diplomats’ interference in its internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.
Following Trudeau’s announcement, Canada expelled an Indian diplomat, while India reciprocated by expelling one of Canada’s senior diplomats in a retaliatory move.
The Five Eyes alliance, composed of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, is a renowned intelligence-sharing group. Originally formed during the Cold War era to gather intelligence on the Soviet Union, it has evolved to share classified intelligence and broaden its mission to uphold human rights and promote democracy.
Canada Apprises US, UK About Sikh Leader’s Murder Claims
Despite Canada’s denial of approaching the Five Eyes, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed that Trudeau discussed the assassination claims with US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week after his unprecedented statement in parliament. Canada is reportedly collaborating closely with the United States on intelligence related to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and evidence will be shared “in due course,” according to a Canadian government official.
The White House said the United States was “deeply concerned” over the serious allegations. Washington believes it is “critical that investigation of Canada proceed and the perpetrators be brought to justice”. The British government said London will wait until the Canadian investigation concludes.
Analysts suggest that Western countries may prioritize defusing the issue with India over punitive measures, given their desire to strengthen economic ties with the country and consider it an essential ally in the growing strategic competition with China. While the other members of the Five Eyes did not join Canada in a public statement against India, they have expressed concerns separately over the “serious” allegations, with the United States emphasizing the importance of Canada’s investigation and the pursuit of justice for the perpetrators. The British government, too, will await the conclusion of Canada’s investigation before taking further action.
