India has fiercely rebuked allegations made by the Canadian government implicating its Home Minister, Amit Shah, in orchestrating a campaign of violence and intimidation against Sikh separatists in Canada. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has categorically dismissed these claims as “absurd and baseless,” emphasizing that such allegations could have grave repercussions for the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

The diplomatic standoff, which began simmering after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s controversial assertion in 2023 of Indian involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reached new heights following recent testimony by Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison. Morrison reiterated accusations that Shah had played a central role in violence against Sikh separatists, allegations that India views as a deliberate attempt to tarnish its international image.

India’s official response was swift and direct, with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi summoned for a formal diplomatic protest. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s profound dismay over the baseless accusations, noting that such actions, particularly the involvement of Canadian officials in leaking these allegations to the media, are reflective of a political strategy aimed at discrediting India.

Retaliatory Measures Intensify Diplomatic Crisis

The fallout from these accusations has been immediate and significant. India has expelled several Canadian diplomats and withdrawn its own high commissioner from Ottawa, citing the untenable environment for its diplomatic staff amid growing hostility. According to Jaiswal, Indian consular personnel in Canada have been subjected to surveillance, including audio and video monitoring, which he called a “flagrant violation” of diplomatic conventions.

India has also formally lodged a protest regarding these alleged breaches, accusing Canada of intimidating its consular staff. Jaiswal made it clear that any further provocations could push the situation to an even more critical stage, urging Canada to reconsider its actions.

The inclusion of India in Canada’s latest National Cyber Threat Assessment report has added another dimension to the conflict. For the first time, Canada has identified India as a cyber threat, placing it alongside countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The report suggested that India had used state-sponsored actors for cyber espionage targeting Canadian governmental networks—an accusation that has further stoked tensions.

Allegations Against Amit Shah and India’s Strong Denial

The allegations against Amit Shah, initially brought to light by major international media outlets, claim that the Indian government is actively targeting Sikh separatist movements operating within Canadian borders. The Canadian government alleged that Shah authorized targeted violence, including extortion and intimidation of separatist leaders. Indian officials, however, have vehemently denied these charges, dismissing them as politically motivated fabrications intended to cater to domestic audiences in Canada, particularly those supporting the Khalistani cause.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stressed that Canada’s support for Khalistani elements—which India regards as terrorist groups—is at the core of the dispute. According to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Canada’s actions, including harboring individuals advocating separatism and violence against India, have been the main obstacles to maintaining healthy bilateral relations. Jaishankar argued that the Canadian government’s tolerance of such groups is incompatible with its diplomatic obligations.

Expert Opinion: The Real Motives Behind Canada’s Allegations

Experts in international relations suggest that the escalating conflict between Canada and India is being driven by complex political motives. A security analyst remarked that Canada’s accusations appear to be largely influenced by domestic political considerations, particularly the substantial Sikh diaspora that holds considerable sway in Canadian politics. He noted that Prime Minister Trudeau’s government might be using the conflict to shore up political support at home, at the expense of bilateral ties with India.

The analyst added that Canada’s growing support for Khalistani elements could have serious repercussions for its diplomatic standing, not only with India but also with other nations wary of separatist movements. These accusations seem more about political posturing than genuine diplomatic concern,” th analyst stated, warning that such strategies could backfire by isolating Canada on the global stage.

The Road Ahead: Potential Implications for India-Canada Relations

The path forward for India-Canada relations remains fraught with uncertainty. The ongoing diplomatic clash is already impacting areas of cooperation, such as trade, cultural exchanges, and joint initiatives in international forums. Experts predict that without significant de-escalation efforts, the rift could widen, damaging both nations’ economic and geopolitical interests.

India’s stance is clear—it will continue to push back against what it sees as baseless allegations and will not hesitate to respond to provocations that threaten its national integrity. Meanwhile, Canada, faced with domestic political pressures and a powerful Sikh community, seems unlikely to back down without solid evidence to support its claims. As the international community watches closely, the outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how nations deal with domestic separatist movements that have cross-border implications.

The stakes are high, and while both sides have expressed a desire to maintain diplomatic relations, the road ahead appears to be paved with challenges that will require careful navigation and, most critically, mutual respect for each nation’s sovereignty.

  Amit Shah, David Morrison, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Justin Trudeau, Randhir Jaiswal, S. Jaishankar