Canada Grapples with Ongoing Allegations of Indian Interference Amid Trade Talks

Tensions are rising within the Canadian government as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to visit India for trade negotiations, overshadowed by persistent concerns regarding Indian interference in Canadian affairs. A recent statement by a senior government official claiming that India has ceased its interference campaign has been publicly challenged by a Liberal Member of Parliament, raising questions about the accuracy of the assessment and the security of Canadian citizens.

MP Denounces Government’s Assessment

Sukh Dhaliwal, the Liberal MP for Surrey-Newton, has strongly condemned the recent statement by a senior government official suggesting that India has halted its foreign interference activities in Canada. Dhaliwal’s riding has been at the center of alleged Indian government operations, including the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.

“I strongly condemn these statements made by this official because he’s not in touch with the realities on the ground,” Dhaliwal stated in an interview with Global News. He emphasized that he regularly interacts with community members and victims who continue to report ongoing interference. “People across Canada…are all coming to me and telling me the same thing, that this is still continuing.”

Contradictory Assessments from Security Agencies

Dhaliwal’s concerns are echoed by Canada’s national security apparatus. He asserts that the official’s comments are at odds with assessments from the National Security Advisor, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), none of which have indicated a cessation of Indian interference efforts. Dhaliwal has called for a review of the official’s conduct and suitability for their role.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada has likewise dismissed the official’s comments as “utterly false,” stating they do not align with the experiences of Sikh Canadians who continue to face threats and intimidation.

Past Allegations and Current Concerns

Dhaliwal revealed that he believes he was personally targeted by Indian foreign interference during the last federal election. However, he noted that many victims are hesitant to arrive forward due to fears for their families in India, facing potential diplomatic or forceful pressure.

In October 2024, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme linked the Indian government to a range of violent activities, primarily targeting pro-Khalistan activists, leading to the expulsion of six Indian diplomats.

Trade Talks and Security Priorities

The dispute over Indian interference comes as Prime Minister Carney prepares to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Fresh Delhi to discuss trade opportunities. The government official who claimed interference had stopped stated, “We’re confident that that activity is not continuing or we would not be having this type of discussion.” However, this assessment has been met with skepticism, particularly within the Sikh community.

New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Heather McPherson emphasized that national security should be prioritized alongside economic interests. Former Liberal MP Herb Dhaliwal echoed this sentiment, stating that justice and human rights should take precedence over profits. Despite these concerns, Dhaliwal expressed confidence that Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand would prioritize national security during their meetings with Indian leadership.

Recent Threats and Investigations

Vancouver police recently warned Canadian Sikh activist Moninder Singh about an imminent threat to himself, his wife, and their children – the fourth such warning since 2022. Canada’s national security agencies believe India initiated a campaign in 2022 to target activists in North America who support Khalistan, an independent state in the Sikh-majority Punjab region. Investigations have linked India to plots to kill activists and carry out extortions, allegedly using organized crime figures.