Explosive Revelations: Top US Ambassador Exposes Controversial Link to Canada's Sikh Activist Assassination Case

The US Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, stated in a Sunday interview that intelligence shared by the "Five Eyes" network contributed to Canada's public accusation regarding the potential involvement of the Indian government in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil. Cohen confirmed the existence of shared intelligence among the Five Eyes partners, which informed the statements made by the Prime Minister of Canada.

The Five Eyes is a partnership for sharing intelligence among the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the ambassador declined to verify whether the shared intelligence originated from the US. "I am not. I wouldn't under any circumstance," Cohen stated.

Last week, the relationship between India and Canada deteriorated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted that authorities were looking into "credible allegations" suggesting that New Delhi may have been involved in the June assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist activist killed by two masked individuals in Surrey, British Columbia.

India has strongly refuted the allegations, dismissing them as "absurd and driven by ulterior motives." Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India's foreign ministry, emphasized that Canada has not presented any substantial evidence to substantiate the claims.

In response to these developments, both countries have expelled high-ranking diplomats in a tit-for-tat fashion, potentially straining the relationship between important allies of the US.

India suspended visa services for Canadian citizens last week, alleging "security threats" against its diplomats in Canada. Cohen, speaking to CTV, stated that the US expressed concern to India and requested their cooperation in the Canadian investigation.

"If proven true, it could potentially be a severe violation of the international order governed by established rules," expressed the ambassador.

The attention was redirected towards the criminal investigation of Nijjars killing by Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair on Sunday, seeking to move away from inquiries regarding intelligence.

In a CBC interview, Blair emphasized the utmost significance of the Five Eyes alliance and expressed Canada's profound apprehension based on highly reliable intelligence. However, he refrained from disclosing the origins of that information.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 9.

Evan Vucci/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Canada and India are currently embroiled in an unparalleled diplomatic dispute. This is how it unfolded:

"It further underscores the necessity of prioritizing the ongoing investigation, as it will enable us to progress from reliable intelligence to compelling evidence and ascertain the precise details of the incident. Consequently, both Canada and the Indian government will be equipped with the truth and concrete facts, enabling us to collaboratively address and resolve the matter in an appropriate manner," stated the individual.

Trudeau appealed to India to prioritize complete transparency, guarantee accountability, and ensure justice in this regard. He emphasized the need for the Indian government to collaborate with Canada, treat these accusations seriously, and enable the pursuit of justice.

Trudeau stated that Canada has no intention of instigating or creating issues. However, he emphasized that the country's justice system will diligently investigate the allegation and follow proper procedures.

In a stern statement made to journalists on Thursday, Bagchi criticized Canada as a "refuge for terrorists" and stressed the importance of Canada safeguarding its global standing in light of the serious accusations.

Bagchi attributed the temporary suspension of visa services to Canadian citizens to the Canadian authorities' involvement in inciting violence and their lack of action. He emphasized that the disruption caused by the creation of such an environment at our high commission and consulates compelled us to temporarily halt the issuance of visas and provision of visa services.

Militancy or campaigning?

Nijjar ardently advocated for the establishment of Khalistan, which India views as a significant security risk to the nation.

Several factions linked to the concept of Khalistan are designated as "terrorist organizations" according to India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Nijjar's name is included in the list of UAPA-designated terrorists, and in 2020, the Indian National Investigation Agency charged him with endeavours to radicalize the global Sikh community in support of the formation of Khalistan.

Various Sikh organizations abroad argue that the Indian government is inaccurately linking the movement with terrorism. They affirm their commitment to peacefully advocating for the establishment of Khalistan while shedding light on the prolonged human rights violations experienced by the Sikh community in India.

Reportedly, local authorities state that Nijjar was fatally shot in his vehicle in June. The incident occurred outside a Sikh temple in western Canada, and the perpetrators were two individuals wearing masks.

The Sikh community in Canada, one of the largest outside India and consisting of over 770,000 members, was deeply shocked and outraged by his death.

No arrests have been made by Canadian police in relation to Nijjar's murder. However, in an August update, the police revealed that they were investigating three suspects and provided details about a potential escape vehicle, seeking assistance from the public.

CNNs Manveena Suri contributed reporting.