India Canada relations have hit a critical low following a shocking revelation: Canadian officials admitted to leaking sensitive information against India to a major U.S. media outlet. This move, part of a broader strategy, has raised many questions about Canada’s motives and its approach to diplomatic ties with India.
Canada’s Government Allegedly Leaks Intel Against India
Two high-ranking Canadian officials have publicly admitted to disclosing information on India’s suspected role in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Washington Post was given access to this private material, which supports Canada’s assertion that there are links between violent acts inside its borders and Indian operatives.
No Authorization Needed for Leak, Says Canadian Security Adviser
Canada’s national security adviser, Nathalie Drouin, stated in a parliamentary hearing that she didn’t need Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approval to release the information. According to her, no classified data was shared, only non-classified details designed to communicate Canada’s stance to the American public. This admission has sparked debate within Canada’s political circles, with many questioning the ethics of leaking sensitive information to foreign media.
A Pre-Planned Media Strategy to Target India
Drouin explained that she and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison planned the leak as part of a “communications strategy.” This approach ensured that Canada’s side of the story reached the U.S. media first. Trudeau’s office reportedly oversaw this strategy.
Diplomatic Fallout: A Dramatic Turn in Canada-India Relations
Diplomatic relations between Canada and India spiraled after New Delhi expelled six Canadian diplomats in response to Canada’s public accusations. This action by Canada included naming India’s High Commissioner as a ‘person of interest’ in the Nijjar murder case, intensifying the diplomatic rift between the two countries.
Tense Meetings and Allegations Against India’s Security Officials
On October 13, the Washington Post published details of a secret meeting between India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, and his Canadian counterpart in Singapore. During this meeting, Canadian officials reportedly presented evidence linking Indian officials to alleged violent plots in Canada. The claims include connections to groups believed to target Sikh separatists, accusations that were categorically denied by Doval and Indian authorities.
Persistent Tensions Amid Canada’s Accusations and India’s Denials
India’s government has repeatedly called Canada’s accusations baseless, stressing that evidence supporting Canada’s claims remains unproven. India also points to Canada’s lack of action against Khalistani sympathizers, including Nijjar, whom New Delhi had long considered a terrorist involved in multiple violent acts.
Canada’s leniency towards pro-Khalistan groups, despite repeated appeals from India to address their activities, has been a point of contention for years, straining relations even before the current crisis.
What Lies in Store for Canada-India Relations?
Both sides are sticking to their firm positions in the continuing diplomatic crisis between India and Canada, which is more heated than ever. A miserable outlook for cooperation and increased distrust have resulted from Canada’s admission of intentional intelligence leaks.
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