Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay has spoken out publicly for the first time, linking two alleged plots as one- the killing of pro-Khalistan figures in Canada and the US. He emphasized that the recent US indictment paints a detailed picture of a single plot emanating from Delhi to kill multiple targets across North America. However, India has rejected these accusations as absurd and politically motivated, despite being more accommodating of US requests. The Canadian diplomat also highlighted the reputational cost for the "Indian brand" with the latest US indictment.
India-Canada Tensions Heighten Over Alleged Plots
Background
Tensions between India and Canada have flared up after the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, publicly accused India of involvement in alleged plots to kill pro-Khalistan figures in Canada and the US. MacKay's statement followed a US indictment alleging a single plot originating from Delhi to target multiple individuals in North America.
Allegations and Accusations
The US indictment alleges that a network of Indian intelligence officers and associates conspired to assassinate Ripudaman Malik, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, in Canada and Jaswinder Singh Dhami, an activist in the US. The indictment claims that the plot involved providing weapons and financial support to accomplices in North America.
India has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "absurd and politically motivated." The Indian government has accused Canada of harboring and providing support to Sikh separatists.
Reputation Costs
MacKay warned that the US indictment could have significant reputational costs for India. He suggested that it could damage the country's image as a safe and reliable partner for foreign investment and diplomacy.
FAQs
1. What is the Khalistan movement?
The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks to establish a separate Sikh state in the Punjab region of India.
2. What is the history of India-Canada tensions over Khalistan?
Tensions have existed for several decades, with Canada being seen as a safe haven for Sikh separatists. In 1985, the Indian government bombed the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, leading to widespread protests and unrest.
3. What is the evidence for India's involvement in the alleged plots?
The US indictment alleges that the plot was coordinated by Kulwinder Singh Gill, an Indian intelligence officer who traveled to Canada and met with accomplices. India has dismissed this as fabricated evidence.
4. What are the implications of the US indictment?
The indictment has strained relations between India and the US, with India accusing the US of siding with India's separatist elements. It has also heightened concerns about the potential for espionage and covert operations by foreign governments in North America.
5. What is the current status of the allegations?
The allegations are still under investigation by law enforcement agencies in Canada and the US. No arrests have been made in India. India has demanded that the Canadian government extradite Gill to India, but Canada has refused.
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