- By Abhirupa Kundu
- Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:56 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tensions revolving around the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Canada's allegations of Indian involvement worsened after US diplomat David Cohen claimed that the intel on Nijjar's killing was "shared among Five Eye partners" and had prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to state that his government had "credible allegations" against Indian agent's link with the killing. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaking on the same maintained India's stance on the allegation and added that he was not a part of "The Five Eyes" or FBI when asked about his opinion on the matter.
Jaishankar reiterated on Tuesday that it was not the Indian Government's "policy" to engage in such acts as alleged by the Canadian government and said that India has been "badgering the Canadians" about the organised crime groups operating out of the country and also sent a large number of extradition requests.
Responding to a question at the "Discussion at Council on Foreign Relations" in New York the External Affairs Minister said, " I am not part of The Five Eyes, I am certainly not part of the FBI. So I think you are asking the wrong person."
The Five Eye is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US and the UK. Queries sparked after the US Ambassador to Canada, Cohen, alleged that it was "shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners" that led the Trudeau administration to claim a potential link between "agents" of the Indian government and the killing of separatist Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar was killed on June 18, outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
Speaking at the event, Jaishankar said that there is an "environment" of "organised crime, related to secessionist forces, violence and extremism" in Canada, raising concerns over them being "very permissive" of such acts due to political reasons.
"We told the Canadians that this is not the government of India's policy. Secondly, we said if you have something specific and if you have something relevant, let us know. We are open to looking at it...The picture is not complete without the context in a way," he said.
Pro-Khalistani supporters protest outside Indian Consulate in Vancouver. (Photo cerdit:ANI)
Amid the escalating tensions India has suspended all visa services to Canada and has advised those travelling to the country to exercise "utmost caution" in view of the growing anti-India activities and "politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence" in Ottawa.
