Before G20, Canada Wanted Allies To Condemn India Over Nijjar's Killing But Was Rebuffed

Before making allegations against India, linking the Modi government to the murder of a Sikh separatist, Canadian officials wanted their allies to condemn India, but were met with reluctance, The Washington Post reported.

The Trudeau administration had sought public condemnation from the US and its other allies before the G20 Summit. The report underlines the diplomatic hurdles encountered by the Biden administration and its allies while managing relationships with India, a crucial player in the region.

The Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance is a coalition that includes Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which engage in extensive intelligence sharing through a unified multilateral agreement. There have been behind-the-scene discussions among the members in connection with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India's most-wanted terrorists who carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head.

He was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey in the western Canadian province of British Columbia in June.

India hosted the G20 Summit, last week. However, there was no mention about the incident by The Five Eyes Intelligence alliance before the event as New Delhi considered it as an important event.

Trudeau has briefed the leaders of some of Canada's closest allies about the case, including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, CBC News reported citing a senior government source.

However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an explosive statement on Monday accusing an Indian government agency of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He also expelled an Indian diplomat identified as Pavan Kumar Rai, the head of India's foreign intelligence agency in Canada, the Toronto Star newspaper reported.

In retaliation, New Delhi kicked out Canada's top diplomat from India, further escalating tension between the two countries. It comes at a time when Western nations seek to strengthen their geopolitical and trade partnerships with India.

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman highlighted the complicated situation of the Western governments as they have to consider Canada as an ally while also placing significant value on their relationship with India as a vital strategic partner.

As reported by The Washington Post, the G20 summit held in India in September was characterized by tension. Prime Minister Trudeau was sidelined and denied formal bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi. The Khalistan matter was discussed on the summit's sidelines, adding strain to the relations.

However, the US and Australia have expressed concerns over the incident while the UK has decided to continue with the trade deal with India despite Canada's allegations.