A high-ranking official from Canada’s government has indicated that they believe India has halted its efforts to exert influence beyond its borders in Canada. The official, speaking on Wednesday ahead of the prime minister’s upcoming trade mission to New Delhi and Mumbai, shared this information during a background briefing with reporters, under the condition of anonymity.
Expressing confidence in the cessation of such activities, the official stated that if there were indications of the Indian government interfering in Canada’s democratic processes, the trade mission might not have proceeded. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward foreign interference, the official mentioned the government’s vigilance in detecting and thwarting potential threats.
However, despite the government’s optimism, Sikh activists in Canada have raised concerns about ongoing safety threats. Additionally, there are suggestions that Canadian law enforcement agencies may not completely align with the government’s assessment that the risk of political violence has dissipated.
In a bid to address these issues and foster improved relations with India, Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to move past a significant rift stemming from the 2023 assassination of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik highlighted an “unprecedented” security dialogue between India and Canada, signaling a collaborative effort to address shared challenges.
Furthermore, as preparations for Carney’s visit unfolded, Vancouver police issued a “duty to warn” letter to Sikh activist Moninder Singh, outlining a perceived threat to his life and that of his family. The police visit underscored ongoing concerns about potential risks faced by individuals viewed as adversaries by the Indian government residing in Canada.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the Sikhs For Justice campaign, disclosed an alleged surveillance list reportedly compiled by Indian agents targeting individuals in Canada, including himself. While the authenticity of the list remains unverified, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reportedly engaged with Pannun, indicating a level of seriousness regarding the matter.
Amidst these developments, a coalition of Sikh groups, including gurdwara councils from British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, has demanded increased attention from Canadian politicians on transnational threats. The groups have called for a thorough investigation into Nijjar’s assassination and urged MPs to support transparency and inquiries into alleged interference by the Indian government.
Vincent Rigby, a former national security adviser, cautioned against downplaying security concerns while engaging in diplomatic relations with India, stressing the importance of addressing potential threats to community safety. Rigby expressed reservations about the extent to which the Indian government may have refrained from attempting to influence events in Canada, citing persistent national security risks and the need for ongoing vigilance.