Canada Accuses India of Targeting Sikh Separatists

Facts

• On Tuesday, the Canadian government accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of being behind a plot to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.^[1]
• The claims, first reported by the Washington Post, were allegedly confirmed by Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison, though no additional evidence was provided.^[1]
• The allegations follow previous accusations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India was connected with the June 2023 murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — claims which India denies.^[2]
• Following the allegations, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over the alleged targeting of Sikh separatists within Canadian borders.^[3]
• On Wednesday, Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) released a report that accused India of using cyber technology to surveil Sikh separatists abroad, in addition to conducting cyberattacks on Canadian government networks.^[4]

Sources: ^[1]Reuters, ^[2]NBC, ^[3]Associated Press and ^[4]Guardian.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Newsweek. There's credible evidence to support Canada's claims that Shah was involved in the plot to target Sikh separatists. These efforts undermine Canada's sovereignty and are an example of dangerous foreign interference against a rules-based order. India must be held accountable for these actions.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by The New Indian Express. There's no credible evidence to support these allegations. This is a politically motivated campaign against India. While the West may call these separatists 'activists' the truth of the matter is that many of these people are dangerous terrorists. India has a right to protect itself from threats from abroad.