Australia’s Foreign Minister Alleges India Targeting Sikh Activists in Canada

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Tuesday that she had discussed allegations with her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, regarding India’s targeting of Sikh activists in Canada. The discussions took place in Canberra, where Wong addressed concerns stemming from recent accusations made by Canada.

The allegations originated from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which disclosed claims that Indian diplomats were actively involved in tracking Sikh separatists in Canada. This purported information was allegedly relayed to organised crime groups in India, who subsequently targeted the activists with drive-by shootings, extortion, and even murder. Indian officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have denied these claims.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, walks past India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Sept. 10, 2023. AP

In addition to Canada’s accusations, the United States Justice Department announced criminal charges against an Indian government employee in mid-October. This individual, Vikash Yadav, is accused of orchestrating an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader residing in New York City.

Prosecutors have indicated that this plot was part of a broader strategy aimed at executing politically motivated killings in both the United States and Canada.

During a news conference alongside Jaishankar, Wong emphasised that the safety and respect of all individuals, particularly within the Sikh community in Australia, is paramount. “We’ve made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation. We respect Canada’s judicial process,” Wong stated. She further reiterated Australia’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and the sovereignty of nations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon his arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. via REUTERS

Jaishankar responded to Wong’s comments by asserting that Canada has subjected Indian diplomats to surveillance and labelling this action as “unacceptable.” Australia and Canada are part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

India formally protested Canada’s allegations over the weekend, calling them “absurd and baseless.” Jaishankar also condemned recent acts of vandalism at a Hindu temple near Toronto, where clashes broke out between demonstrators supporting the Sikh separatist movement and others carrying India’s national flag. Videos circulating on social media showed the violence erupting in the temple complex while Indian consular officials were present.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence, stating it was “unacceptable” and affirming that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also denounced the violence, characterising the attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats as cowardly. Modi expressed India’s expectation for Canada to ensure justice in the matter.

Tensions between Canada and India have escalated since Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of being involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, a claim India has vehemently denied. New Delhi has accused the Canadian government of permitting Sikh separatist activities, which aim to establish an independent Sikh homeland, known as Khalistan, in India.

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar (L) and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong before a meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, 05 November 2024. MICK TSIKAS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

In recent months, the ongoing diplomatic dispute has resulted in both nations expelling each other’s top diplomats. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance on freedom: “We believe in freedoms, but we also believe freedom should not be misused.”

Trudeau has indicated that Modi previously expressed a desire for Canada to apprehend individuals critical of the Indian government. However, Trudeau has maintained that advocating for separatism falls within Canada’s bounds of free speech despite not being government policy. He has assured Modi that Canada would collaborate with India on issues related to terrorism and hate incitement, affirming a commitment to addressing unacceptable activities.