Canada’s NSIA questions India’s influence on policy amid Sikh diaspora concerns
Canada's NSIA urges India to address law enforcement and pro-Khalistan issues
Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA), Nathalie G Drouin, expressed uncertainty about India’s intentions to influence Canadian policy. Speaking before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, she suggested that India might be more focused on the pro-Khalistan movement.
Drouin emphasised the importance of understanding India’s interest in Canada, citing the significant Sikh diaspora and the historical context of the Air India flight 182 bombing. This attack by Khalistani extremists, which occurred before the 9/11 attacks, remains the deadliest terrorist incident in Canadian history, killing all 329 passengers, including over 270 Canadians, mainly of Indian descent, and 24 Indians.
Canada is seeking accountability for the June 2023 killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. Relations between Canada and India deteriorated following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in the House of Commons, which mentioned “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the murder. Four Indian nationals were arrested earlier this year, and their trial is ongoing. India has dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” and Canada has yet to publicly substantiate the claims, though investigations continue.
🇨🇦This is Canada’s “National Security Advisor”.
She said Canadians have nothing to worry about on Foreign Interference.
She was appointed by Trudeau and has spent the last 25 years in various unrelated Government jobs.
Do you feel safe now?🤔🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/zk2uiNvHjA
— Contrarian (@ContrarianTribe) October 9, 2024
Drouin noted that Canada expects India to take its law enforcement actions seriously rather than denying the situation. She urged India to introspect on the incident and avoid further escalation. Additionally, she recommended that the public inquiry consider both Nijjar’s killing and the attempted murder of Gurpatwant Pannun, Nijjar’s associate and Sikhs for Justice general counsel, in the US last year.
Drouin also commented on the June 4 report from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSCIOP), which ranked India as the second-most significant foreign interference threat to Canada’s democratic institutions, overtaking Russia. However, she felt that ranking countries based on threat levels was not constructive.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Economist: Canadian Sikhs, who thought they were safe to protest against India, faced threats and one was gunned down, highlighting the dangers of dissent in India’s diaspora communities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor say about India’s intentions?
She expressed uncertainty, suggesting India might be focused on the pro-Khalistan movement.
Why did Drouin mention the Air India flight 182 bombing?
To highlight the historical context of India’s interest in Canada due to the significant Sikh diaspora.
What is Canada’s stance on the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Canada is seeking accountability and investigating credible allegations linking Indian agents to the murder.
How has India responded to the allegations regarding Nijjar’s killing?
India has dismissed the allegations as ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated.’
What did Drouin think about ranking countries based on foreign interference threat levels?
She felt that ranking countries based on threat levels was not constructive.
