Explosive Espionage: Unraveling the Canada-India Assassination Accusation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for a thorough investigation into his claim that he possesses reliable evidence connecting New Delhi to the murder of a Sikh separatist activist within Canada. He reiterated his allegation, which has caused a diplomatic conflict and could potentially strain relations between the two nations. Trudeau stated on Tuesday that Canada's intention is not to incite or intensify the situation, but merely to present the facts. He emphasized that his government is committed to examining the evidence and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Canada's accusation of potential involvement by the Indian government in the June assassination of prominent Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar has deeply angered New Delhi. The Indian government vehemently denies the claim, dismissing it as "absurd and motivated." This dispute has created a worrying possibility of an unprecedented rift between two crucial allies of the United States, potentially placing other major Western nations in an uneasy position.

Heres what you need to know.

Why are India-Canada relations cratering?

In Parliament on Monday, Trudeau asserted that Canadian authorities were actively investigating "credible accusations" connecting the killing of Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen who was shot by masked individuals in June, to "agents of the government of India." Following this, Canada's foreign affairs minister, Melanie Joly, announced that Ottowa had expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat, whom she identified as the leader of the Indian intelligence agency in the country, as a result of this issue.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons foyer on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on September 18.

India swiftly rejected Trudeau's allegations, accusing Canada of providing refuge to terrorists and expressing longstanding concerns about their failure to take action against extremists. In addition, they expelled a high-ranking Canadian diplomat.

Nijjar's death in June sent shockwaves through the Sikh community in Canada. This community, consisting of over 770,000 members, is among the largest outside of India. In response to Trudeau's remarks, two Sikh community organizations in Canada, namely the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council and Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, called upon the Canadian government to swiftly halt all collaboration with India in terms of intelligence, investigation, and prosecution.

"Canadas comprehensive response must reflect the gravity of Indias role in the premeditated murder of a Sikh dissident living in Canada," the groups added in a joint statement.

Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?

Nijjar strongly advocated for the establishment of Khalistan, a distinct Sikh homeland encompassing certain areas of Punjab state in India.

The Indian government has declared the Khalistan movement illegal and perceives it as a significant security concern. Several groups linked to the movement are categorized as "terrorist organizations" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Nijjar has been identified as a UAPA terrorist by the Home Ministry, and in 2020, the Indian National Investigation Agency accused him of attempting to radicalize the Sikh community worldwide to advocate for the creation of Khalistan. Furthermore, it was alleged that he had been inciting Sikhs to vote for secession, engage in anti-government protests, and commit acts of violence.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada September 18, 2023.

Blair Gable/Reuters

India retaliates by expelling Canadian diplomat amidst escalating tensions over the murder of a Sikh activist.

Nijjar's associate and former attorney, both of whom are also wanted by the Indian government under the UAPA, claimed that Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, had issued multiple warnings to Nijjar regarding potential threats to his life.

CNN reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after Gurpatwant Singh Pannun warned Nijjar to be cautious and refrain from making provocative statements to avoid being targeted. Pannun, the head of "Sikhs for Justice," a New York-based group advocating for a separate Khalistan state, is currently facing various charges from the Indian government. In India, the organization is deemed illegal and its website inaccessible.

Can relations return to where they were?

No one has been arrested by Canadian authorities in relation to the murder of Nijjar. However, in an update provided in August, the police revealed that they are currently investigating three suspects and have released details about a potential getaway vehicle.

The relations between the two nations have been lukewarm for a number of years, and Canada's accusations against the Indian government are expected to worsen the situation. Harsh Pant, the vice president of foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, a think tank located in New Delhi, described the situation as "remarkably unusual."

He expressed his dismay, saying that it is disheartening to witness such actions between friendly nations. The challenges that have emerged from this situation are quite evident, as there seems to be no immediate resolution in sight. The commerce and trade minister of India stated that the negotiations for a trade agreement between the countries have been temporarily halted due to issues of significant concern, as reported in local sources.

When Modi welcomed the leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) in New Delhi this month, he did not have a personal meeting with Trudeau, but instead had a conversation with him on the fringes of the summit. During this interaction, the Indian leader expressed the Indian government's "serious concerns regarding the ongoing anti-India activities carried out by extremist elements in Canada."

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's youngest son shake hands during a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on February 23, 2018.

Pant stated that tensions had been brewing for some time.

When Trudeau visited India in 2018, his sparse schedule of diplomatic meetings was perceived as a disrespectful gesture by many in New Delhi. A year prior, the Canadian leader had attended a Sikh event in Toronto where flags and posters glorifying an extremist Sikh leader killed during a military operation by the Indian Army in 1984 were displayed.

In its statement on Tuesday, the Indian government said: "That Canadian political figures have openly expressed sympathy for such elements remains a matter of deep concern."

How have others responded?

Canada's allegations against India came just days after Prime Minister Modi hosted several world leaders, such as US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Australia's Anthony Albanese, for the G20 summit held in New Delhi. These countries, each with a significant Sikh population, are eager to maintain amicable relations with New Delhi, partly as a means to counter China's increasing boldness.

The White House expressed deep concern about the allegations and emphasized the importance of Canada's investigations and the need to bring the perpetrators to justice, according to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.

A spokesperson for Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern, stating that these reports may be particularly unsettling for certain Australian communities. The spokesperson emphasized the value and significance of the Indian diaspora as contributors to Australia's diverse and resilient society, where all Australians are able to freely and safely express their perspectives.

The spokesperson for the British prime minister stated that it is appropriate for the Canadian authorities to investigate the matter, but they will not provide further information until the necessary work is completed. This report includes contributions from CNN's Akanksha Sharma and Manveena Suri.