Canada reverses stance on India ahead of Bank of Canada Governor visit

Canadian Government Downplays India as Security Threat Ahead of Prime Minister’s Visit

A Canadian police officer has informed Sikh activist Moninder Singh that his life and those of his family are at risk due to alleged transnational violence between the two countries. The warning was made on Sunday, just days before Prime Minister Mark Carney’s maiden visit to India.

According to a recorded conversation, the police officer stated that Singh’s wife and children were also under threat. Singh is an associate of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was assassinated in Canada in June 2023. The killing led to a diplomatic row between the two countries, with Canada accusing Indian government agents of involvement.

In contrast, a senior Canadian government official has stated that “India is no longer a security threat” to Canada’s security. This shift in tone marks a significant change in Ottawa’s approach to India under Carney, who aims to diversify foreign relations amid tensions with the US.

Carney’s visit to New Delhi this week may signal a reset of bilateral relations, which have deteriorated significantly since Canada’s former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office. Relations between the two countries had become strained due to tit-for-tat accusations and diplomatic expulsions, particularly following Nijjar’s killing.

The Canadian government has faced pressure from the Sikh diaspora in Canada over allegations of Indian interference in domestic politics. India has denied these claims, calling them “preposterous”. The US Department of Justice has also charged an Indian national with plotting to assassinate a Sikh activist in the United States.

Carney’s visit will likely be closely watched as he seeks to improve relations between the two countries.

Source: Al Jazeera