) |
|
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India have escalated further with the revelation that a close aide to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaked sensitive intelligence to the Washington Post regarding alleged Indian government involvement in criminal activities within Canada. The leak, according to The Global And Mail, occurred prior to an official RCMP press conference that aimed to substantiate Trudeau's claims against India. The leaked intelligence included information about the killing of pro-Khalistan militant Sukhdool Singh Gill, who was shot in Winnipeg in September 2023, just days after Trudeau publicly accused India of being behind the killing of another pro-Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June 2023.
This revelation has ignited controversy in Canada, particularly given Trudeau's stance against the leaking of classified information regarding Chinese interference in Canadian elections. In 2023, he criticized The Globe And Mail for publishing reports on Chinese interference, calling them “criminal leaks of classified information [that] can be damaging to reputations, to people’s confidence in our institutions and in our intelligence agencies”. However, Trudeau’s selective condemnation of leaks has drawn criticism, with many questioning the double standard applied in this instance. The leaked intelligence regarding India's alleged involvement in criminal activities in Canada was intended to be kept confidential until Thanksgiving Day, but the Washington Post reportedly chose to publish the information before that deadline.
India has vehemently denied all accusations levied against it by Trudeau and the Canadian police, labeling the claims as “preposterous.” India has asserted that the allegations are politically motivated, stemming from Trudeau's reliance on a Khalistani-sympathizer leader to maintain his parliamentary majority. The situation has led to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, with both countries expelling their respective high commissioners. While the Canadian police have claimed to possess evidence linking Indian officials to violent crimes in Canada, they have declined to provide specific details, citing ongoing investigations and court proceedings. This lack of transparency has fueled skepticism and further strained the relationship between the two nations. The incident highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in international relations, particularly when dealing with accusations of foreign interference and alleged criminal activity.
Source: Trudeau aide leaked ‘intel on India role’ to US paper before Canada’s official briefing: Report