India summons Canadian Diplomat over allegations linking Amit Shah to Sikh separatist targeting

India has formally protested against Canada regarding allegations that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was involved in orchestrating a campaign against Sikh separatists. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, delivering a diplomatic note that rejected the accusations as “absurd and baseless.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that the protest was initiated in response to statements made during a session of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in Ottawa, where these serious allegations were discussed.

During this session, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison asserted that Amit Shah had ordered a campaign characterized by violence, intimidation, and intelligence gathering targeting Khalistani extremists in Canada. These claims were notably publicized after officials leaked information to The Washington Post, which first reported Shah’s alleged involvement. The Canadian government has not disclosed specific evidence supporting these assertions, leading to significant scrutiny regarding the basis for such claims.

The Indian government has condemned the allegations, stating that they undermine the country’s sovereignty and misrepresent its counter-terrorism strategies. Jaiswal emphasized that the references to Shah not only distort the facts but also contribute to a negative narrative about India’s policies and actions on the global stage. The MEA has expressed concern that such irresponsible statements could adversely affect diplomatic relations between India and Canada, which have already been strained.

Relations between the two countries have been particularly tense since September 2023, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the Indian government’s potential involvement in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has firmly rejected these claims, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated, and has sought to counter the narrative propagated by Canadian officials.

In addition to the allegations against Amit Shah, the Indian government has raised serious concerns about the surveillance of its diplomatic personnel in Canada. It was reported that Indian consular officials had been informed that they were under audio and video surveillance, which India views as a blatant violation of diplomatic norms. The MEA characterized this surveillance as harassment, aggravating the already sensitive nature of diplomatic interactions between the two nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated the importance of respecting established diplomatic conventions, warning that violations of these principles will have consequences for bilateral relations. As the situation continues to evolve, both India and Canada face the challenge of addressing the implications of these allegations and the broader impact on their diplomatic ties.