On Wednesday, a senior government official declared that India is no longer interfering in Canadian affairs, but Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has countered this assertion, highlighting persistent security concerns. The minister's remarks underscore ongoing tensions between the two nations, despite efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Minister's Stance on Unresolved Issues
Speaking on Thursday, Anandasangaree refused to echo the senior official's statement from the previous day. Instead, he emphasized that there is still "a lot more work to do" regarding transnational repression linked to India. He noted that while Canada and India are working to enhance economic and diplomatic relations, difficult conversations about the safety and security of Canadians continue.
"Of course, there are still outstanding issues that we're going to work through," Anandasangaree told reporters during a National Police Federation event in Ottawa. "There's still a lot more work to do, and we will do that work." This event focused on lawful access reform in Canada, highlighting the broader context of national security discussions.
Official's Statement and Community Reaction
The senior official's comment came during a background briefing on Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India, Australia, and Japan. The official stated, "We're confident that that activity is not continuing," referring to previous allegations of Indian agents being involved in violent crimes or threats in Canada, including the 2023 murder of Sikh-Canadian leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
This statement has sparked significant backlash from the Canadian Sikh community and national security experts. Danish Singh, head of the World Sikh Organization, labeled the claim as "utterly false," arguing it does not align with the experiences of Sikh Canadians. Experts expressed surprise at the definitive nature of the statement, given decades of suspected Indian government involvement in transnational repression.
Recent Developments and Historical Context
The official's remarks follow a recent Global News report that Moninder Singh, a noted critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Khalistan separatism activist, received a police warning about a credible threat to his life and family. This incident contrasts sharply with government and RCMP statements in 2024, which linked the Indian government to Nijjar's murder and a series of violent crimes across Canada, such as arson and extortion.
Anandasangaree's insistence on unresolved issues reflects a cautious approach amid these conflicting reports. The situation highlights the complex dynamics in Canada-India relations, where economic cooperation coexists with deep-seated security and human rights concerns. As discussions progress, the minister's focus remains on ensuring the protection of Canadian citizens while navigating diplomatic challenges.
