Canada accuses Indian minister of spying on Canadians

In October 2024, Canada experienced heightened diplomatic tensions with India, following allegations that an Indian Cabinet minister orchestrated intelligence operations against Canadians. Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison confirmed these allegations in a parliamentary committee, further escalating the situation amid existing accusations of Indian agents' involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader, in June 2023. The Canadian government has claimed to have credible evidence regarding this involvement, which they have shared with Indian authorities. However, Indian officials have denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the claims as absurd. The series of events is rooted in ongoing global concerns regarding India's tactics abroad, particularly involving the Sikh separatist movement for Khalistan. Following the allegations, Canada expelled the Indian high commissioner and several diplomats whom they identified as persons of interest in cases related to coercion and intimidation. The Canadian intelligence community, including national security adviser Nathalie Drouin, suggested that India has gathered information on Indian nationals and Canadians through diplomatic channels, linking this to a larger criminal network. The context of these actions reflects a growing unease about political violence and assassination plots perpetrated by foreign governments in Canada and other Western nations. The U.S. has similarly implicated Indian officials in a foiled plot to assassinate a Sikh leader in New York City. As both Canada and India navigate their diplomatic relations, the ramifications of these allegations could have long-term impacts on how both nations address international violence, security, and diaspora politics.