UK Urges India to Cooperate with Canada in Investigation of Sikh Leader’s Assassination Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The UK has stated that India must collaborate with Canada's probe into the killing of a leading Sikh figure. Accusations from Canada suggest that India orchestrated the assassination of a notable Sikh separatist in British Columbia, leading to a diplomatic rift where both nations have expelled diplomats from each other.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 12:

The UK has urged India to collaborate with Canada in probing the assassination of a Sikh leader in British Columbia, following mutual diplomatic expulsions between the two nations over the matter.

Relations between India and Canada, typically allies, have become tense following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and noted Sikh separatist leader. Nijjar was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen while departing a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.

In September of the previous year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that there were "credible allegations" suggesting a connection between the Indian government and the assassination.

India dismissed the claim as "ridiculous" and instructed Canada to expel 41 of its 62 diplomats stationed there.

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Canada hosts approximately 770,000 Sikhs, making it the largest Sikh community outside of Punjab. Over the years, Delhi has expressed disapproval towards Ottawa for not condemning the pro-Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh nation within India.

On Monday, the situation escalated when Canada dismissed six top Indian diplomats, among them High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, following police findings that linked them to continuous violent crimes reportedly connected to the Indian government, a high-ranking Canadian government official disclosed.

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India has decided to expel six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of Mr. Verma. The country's Ministry of External Affairs expressed its distrust in the present Canadian administration's dedication to safeguarding their security.

The situation positions the UK at an intermediary point, as both India and Canada are members of the Commonwealth, while the UK shares membership with Canada in the G7 and NATO, and maintains a defense partnership and potential free trade agreement with India.

On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer had a phone conversation with Mr. Trudeau during which they addressed "recent events related to ongoing investigations in Canada," according to Downing Street.

The Foreign Office has stated, "We are currently communicating with our Canadian counterparts regarding the significant findings revealed by the independent inquiries in Canada."

The United Kingdom completely trusts Canada's legal system, emphasizing that respecting national sovereignty and legal principles is crucial.

"India's government collaborating with Canada's judiciary system is an appropriate move forward."

Learn more: Sikh advocate daily fears for his safety in the UK, as Canada and India engage in mutual expulsion of diplomats amid assassination allegations.

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Concerns that Indian operatives have assassinated Sikh leaders extend beyond the incident involving Mr. Nijjar.

In November, the FBI announced it had foiled an attempt by an agent from India to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the Sikh activist movement, in the United States.

Officials have charged an Indian citizen who was reportedly acting under the direction of an undisclosed official from the Indian government.

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British Sikh activist Kulwant Singh Mothada expressed to Sky News in February his daily fear of being targeted for assassination by the Indian government, following the circulation of a "hit list" by India's counter-terrorism agency that included his face, which was aired on Indian television last year.

Both Mr. Nijjar and Mr. Pannun were included on the list as well.

Mr. Mothada expressed his belief that, in contrast to Canada and the US, the UK is overlooking the issue in order to placate India.

He stated, "Should anything happen to me, the entirety of the blame should fall on the British government."

In January, a bipartisan assembly of lawmakers sought an immediate conference with the then security minister Tom Tugendhat after receiving news of "threat to life warnings" directed at British Sikhs.

A representative of the UK government emphasized that they consistently evaluate possible risks and place a high priority on safeguarding the rights, freedoms, and safety of people within the UK.

Prominent Sikh leaders in both the United States and Canada have reported receiving warnings regarding threats against their lives.

India has requested that the United Kingdom keep a closer watch on Sikh separatists residing in Britain, alleging that they misuse the asylum process and participate in "terrorist activities" within the South Asian nation.

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