What Is Five Eyes Intelligence That Is Backing Probe In Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's Murder?

Canada's relationship with India has plunged into turmoil following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's explosive statement accusing an Indian government agency of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June of this year. Trudeau's remarks have resonated within the Five Eyes Intelligence alliance, 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.

The Five Eyes alliance has responded variably to Trudeau's allegations. A senior US State Department official stated that they have maintained close communication with their Canadian counterparts regarding the allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada. They have urged India to cooperate with the investigation.

In contrast, a US expert criticised the Canadian Prime Minister's assertion of a "potential link" between Indian government agents and the Khalistani leader's killing as a "shameless and cynical action." This expert called on the United States not to endorse it.

The UK government, addressing the "serious allegations" concerning the murder, declared that it would not allow these allegations to impact its ongoing trade negotiations with India.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, commented on the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, expressing concern and noting that investigations are ongoing. Australia is closely monitoring developments in coordination with its partners.

Prime Minister Trudeau has called on India "in the strongest possible terms" to cooperate with Canada in uncovering the truth behind this matter.

In response to Trudeau's allegations, both Canada and India have expelled a senior diplomat from each other's nations. Trudeau implicated "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of the prominent Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, in Surrey in June.

Nijjar, the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was one of India's most-wanted terrorists, carrying a reward of ₹10 lakh on his head. He was fatally shot by two unidentified assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, on June 18.

Canada is home to a substantial population of nearly 1.4 million individuals of Indian ethnic or cultural origin, constituting about 3.7% of the country's total population, as per the 2021 census.

Over 770,000 people in Canada identify their religion as Sikhism, representing approximately 2 per cent of the nation's population. In 2019, the Canadian government designated April as Sikh Heritage Month.

In terms of trade, India ranked as Canada's 10th largest two-way merchandise trade partner in 2022, with trade exceeding USD 13.7 billion. However, Trudeau's interactions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Group of 20 meeting in New Delhi were marked by tension. Trade negotiations have been halted, and a planned trade mission to India has been canceled.