In a significant revelation to Canadian parliament members, Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison confirmed on Tuesday that Home Minister Amit Shah is allegedly involved in a campaign of intimidation and violence against Indo-Canadian citizens, specifically targeting Khalistan supporters. This statement was made during a committee meeting focused on national security concerns.
Morrison stated, “The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” referring to Shah’s involvement in the alleged campaign. This assertion was further supported by Canada’s National Security Advisor, Nathalie Drouin, who explained that both she and Morrison had briefed a Washington Post reporter on October 14 about the links between the Indian government and its activities in Canada, aimed at amplifying Canada’s perspective on the international stage.
The discussion comes after Canada publicly accused India of interference in its domestic affairs. This unprecedented step was taken following a stalled meeting with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, where India was criticized for not providing any evidence to support its claims. Drouin and Morrison had previously traveled to Singapore to present evidence they believe implicates Lawrence Bishnoi in a series of coercive acts against Indo-Canadian citizens.
Drouin explained, “We traveled to meet the NSA after two previous meetings in this regard failed to occur at a lower level.” She noted that Canada sought to signal its seriousness in obtaining India’s cooperation to curb Bishnoi’s alleged activities, which include intimidation and violence.
However, during the five-hour meeting in Singapore, Doval allegedly rejected Canada’s claims, insisting on the lack of any connections between the Indian government and the intimidation of Canadian Sikhs. He suggested pausing the meeting to reconvene later to discuss the matter further.
Canada’s strategy also included proposals for recalling Indian diplomats involved and establishing a high-level dialogue focused on countering extremism. Drouin elaborated on the modus operandi purportedly employed by Indian authorities, stating that information is gathered through diplomats and proxies, leading to criminal activities against Indo-Canadians.
Reports from The Washington Post highlighted that the alleged coercive tactics used by Indian officials include threats to deny visas and physical threats against individuals and their families in India. Canadian officials assert that these efforts are orchestrated at the highest levels of the Indian government, implicating Amit Shah in the process.
This development adds a layer of complexity to Canada-India relations, particularly as both countries prepare for ongoing discussions regarding national security and the treatment of their respective diasporas. As tensions escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and the potential implications for bilateral ties.