India and transnational terrorism

The Indian government and Indian media have sharply reacted to allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his foreign minister, and the Canadian police chief.

The allegations are that Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, have been involved in a covert operation in Canada aimed at physically eliminating critics, particularly pro-Khalistan individuals. As a result, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, in connection with the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and other alleged criminal activities. These diplomats were designated as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation.

Canada submitted a diplomatic note to India, requesting that it waive diplomatic immunity for the implicated officials so they could face charges. However, India refused to comply.

Prime Minister Trudeau publicly expressed disappointment with the Indian government for not cooperating in efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, calling it unacceptable and stating that Canada would not compromise on its citizens’ security. The investigation into Nijjar’s murder, allegedly carried out by an assassin linked to Indian authorities, is still ongoing. Canadian authorities are actively sharing information and collaborating with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to investigate and seek a joint response to India’s espionage network in these countries. The US and UK have also urged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation, signaling that they view Canada’s concerns as credible and suggesting that India may indeed be at fault.

On October 17, 2024, in a move echoing concerns raised by Canadian authorities, the US Justice Department announced criminal charges against an Indian government intelligence officer in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader residing in New York City.

Indian authorities swiftly dismissed Trudeau’s allegations, labeling them as politically motivated and driven by Canada’s domestic electoral needs. However, this raises the question: What did the US Justice Department gain by accusing India of contracting assassins?

The reality is that the aggressive policies of the current BJP government have severely damaged India’s reputation as a democratic, rule-based country. India is now increasingly seen as a state involved in transnational repression, targeting individuals outside its borders to suppress dissent.

The reactions from the Canadian authorities, followed by the US Justice Department’s actions, underscore a key message: Despite close cooperation with India in areas like trade, defense, and regional security (particularly in countering China), actions undermining the sovereignty and security of other countries’ citizens or residents will not be tolerated.

For the first time since Partition, India’s ambitions as a global leader and its image as a rising power and responsible international actor have been punctured and exposed. India, with the full backing of the US and other Western countries, has positioned itself as a counterbalance to China’s influence. However, these recent accusations – suggesting that India not only gathered sensitive information but also targeted its allies’ citizens – are shocking and unacceptable to these nations. This could affect how other countries view India’s commitment to international norms and laws.

If the allegations of India’s involvement in an extrajudicial killing on foreign soil are proven true, it could significantly limit India’s global influence. The country’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council will become a distant dream. Furthermore, India could face questions and criticism in multilateral settings, potentially damaging its standing on the world stage.

Interestingly, the BJP-led government’s campaign against Pakistan, under the pretext of combating terrorism and accusing it of supporting militant outfits in Kashmir, no longer holds water. Revelations made by Canadian authorities, and later by the US, have vindicated Pakistan’s longstanding claims that India has been deeply involved in the insurgency in Balochistan and has also funded other terrorist groups operating within Pakistan.

Recent revelations about Indian residents’ involvement, in cooperation with their diplomatic missions, in illegal activities have also cast suspicion on the Indian diaspora. This community, otherwise considered one of the world’s most influential, is now being viewed with growing suspicion in Western countries following the allegations made by Canadian authorities.

A key factor is the BJP’s recruitment of a significant number of immigrants into its extremist Hindu organisations, particularly the RSS. The RSS leads campaigns against minorities in India and shapes Indian politics through hatred and prejudice. As a result, there is increasing demand in the US and other countries to ban the RSS and closely monitor those associated with it. This could lead to strained relations between India and its diaspora communities.

Lastly, the Modi government must reflect on why India’s neighbours – and now Canada and the US – are accusing it of targeting political opponents. It is high time the Indian public and media hold the Modi government accountable, rather than continuing to spew venom against others and thrive on state denial.

The writer is a freelance contributor. He tweets @ErshadMahmud and can be reached at: ershad.mahmud@gmail.com