Canada Alleges Indian Home Minister's Involvement In Sikh Separatist Campaign

Dr. Jerad Boyle 11 Jun 2025

In a development that has escalated diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, Canada has alleged that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah directed a campaign targeting Sikh separatists within Canada. This claim was brought to light during a testimony given by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison before the national security committee. Morrison's confirmation of Shah's involvement was initially reported by The Washington Post, raising serious questions about the implications of foreign interference in Canadian affairs.

During the proceedings, Morrison detailed how he verified the name of Amit Shah to the journalist who reported the claims. He stated, "The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person," but did not elaborate on how Canadian intelligence made the connection. Meanwhile, India’s embassy in Ottawa has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the allegations against Shah.

These troubling allegations mark a significant escalation in Canada's ongoing concerns over foreign interference, particularly after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's previous statement indicating that agents from India were involved in the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Canadian officials maintain that evidence was shared with Indian authorities regarding these serious claims; however, Indian officials have denied receiving any proof and labeled the accusations as baseless.

A photograph of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, back right, is displayed outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, British Columbia, Oct. 15, 2024. On Tuesday, Canada's government alleged that India’s home affairs minister was...Darryl Dyck/AP Photo

Recent Diplomatic Tensions and Expulsions

In October, Canada's strained relations with India further deteriorated when Canada expelled India's high commissioner and five other diplomats, accusing them of involvement in efforts to silence Sikh separatists' activism in Canada. This decisive action is reflective of Canada's long-standing concerns regarding external interference in its domestic affairs.

In mid-October, the U.S. Justice Department charged an Indian official, Vikash Yadav, with a murder-for-hire plot aimed at a Sikh separatist leader in New York. U.S. authorities allege that Yadav sought to orchestrate a series of politically motivated killings across North America, raising alarms about the extent of international interference in domestic policies.

Intelligence and Covert Operations

During the national security committee hearing, Nathalie Drouin, Trudeau's national security adviser, revealed that Canadian authorities possess evidence suggesting that India's government gathered intelligence on Canadian and Indian nationals through its diplomatic channels. This revelation points to a complex web of espionage and covert operations that could have far-reaching implications for both nations.

Drouin also mentioned that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had made attempts to secure cooperation from Indian officials to address safety concerns. A notable meeting in Singapore with India's national security adviser, Ajit Doval, was mentioned, showcasing Canada's willingness to engage in dialogue despite the rising tensions.