India-Canada ties will worsen further

THERE IS CONCERN among the highest security circles in Canada about ties with India worsening as trials pursuant to the charges laid against Indians are expected to begin soon.

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

WARD ELCOCK, FORMER DIRECTOR, CANADIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Ward Elcock, former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), says there are a number of countries that have been identified as sources of foreign interference or have carried out interference operations in Canada over the years. China is generally seen as the major offender, but India has also been an offender. Given this, Elcock believes that there are no short-term steps to improve the relationship. Excerpts:

Q/ What short-term steps can be taken to bring the India-Canada relationship back on track?

A/ Clearly, the relationship is at an all-time low and, to be frank, it is hard to see a resolution of the issues that would allow a rebuilding of the relationship any time in the near future. Indeed, it is likely that the situation will worsen, as trials springing from the charges that have been laid begin to take place. Given that the RCMP investigations have already identified Indian diplomats as ‘persons of interest’, it seems likely that evidence will be produced in those trials, which will hardly improve the relationship. The position adopted by India since the meeting between Canadian and Indian officials in Singapore would suggest that there are no short-term steps that could be taken to improve the relationship.

Q/ Don’t you think the RCMP statements linking Indian agents to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were avoidable?