A parliamentary committee has agreed to hold an emergency meeting to discuss allegations of Indian foreign interference in Canada, leading to the recent expulsion of diplomats from both countries. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revealed significant evidence of criminal activity allegedly orchestrated by Indian government agents, including links to violent extremism, homicides, organized crime targeting the South Asian community in Canada, and interference in democratic processes. NDP MP Alistair MacGregor initiated the motion for the committee to conduct a probe into these revelations, which would involve at least six meetings to gather more information.
The motion proposed inviting senior officials, including Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, and National Security and Intelligence Advisor Nathalie Drouin, to testify before the committee. Additionally, experts from Canada’s South Asian community, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, former leadership candidates of the 2022 Conservative Party leadership race, and national security subject matter experts would be called upon to provide their perspectives. The relations between India and Canada have deteriorated since 2023 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned credible evidence linking Indian government agents to the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. India has consistently denied any involvement in Nijjar’s killing and accused Trudeau of having a political agenda.
Global News has reportedly learned that agents based out of India’s high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Vancouver and Toronto were responsible for numerous violent crimes across Canada, targeting opponents of the Narendra Modi government. Supporters of the Khalistan movement, advocating for independence for India’s Sikh-majority Punjab region, as well as adversaries of the Modi government, were among those targeted by these agents. The tension between India and Canada has escalated following these recent allegations, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat measures, including the expulsion of diplomats.
The gravity of the situation has been emphasized by NDP MP Alistair MacGregor, who highlighted the seriousness of the explosive revelations made by the RCMP regarding Indian government agents’ alleged criminal activities. This has prompted the parliamentary committee to take action by convening an emergency meeting to delve deeper into the matter and gather more information on the nature and extent of foreign interference in Canada. The proposed probe would involve a thorough examination of the evidence provided by the RCMP and testimonies from relevant officials and experts to shed light on the implications of these allegations.
The revelations of Indian government agents being involved in criminal activities in Canada, as disclosed by the RCMP, have raised concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and the safety of communities, particularly the South Asian community. The proposed investigation by the parliamentary committee aims to uncover the extent of these activities, their impact on Canadian society, and the potential measures that can be taken to address and prevent such interference in the future. By calling upon key officials, experts, and community representatives to provide their insights, the committee seeks to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation and explore possible solutions to safeguard Canada’s sovereignty and security.
Overall, the emergency meeting of the parliamentary committee signifies a concerted effort to address the serious allegations of Indian foreign interference in Canada and its implications for national security and democratic processes. The revelations from the RCMP have highlighted the urgent need to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action to prevent such activities from recurring. By engaging various stakeholders and experts in the investigative process, the committee aims to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation and make informed recommendations to safeguard Canada’s interests and protect its citizens from external threats.
