Canada may have bitten off more than it can chew

The Canadian government, seeking to convey that it has information on Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leaked inputs to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that it possesses 'both human and signals intelligence.' It further stated that inputs were provided by an ally nation which is part of the 'five eyes intelligence alliance.' This was backed by US officials and its ambassador to Ottawa.

- HARSHA KAKAR

This admission implies that Indian diplomatic staff were possibly trailed and their communications snooped on, an act against the Vienna convention. Sharing this proof, if it exists, could worsen diplomatic ties not only with Canada but also the nation which provided it, details of which may only be known to the Indian government.

Hence all Canada can do is leak information on available intelligence but avoid sharing it, as no third nation would desire to be drawn into an India-Canada controversy, which has seen ties rapidly go south. Demands for proof are also being raised domestically but Justin Trudeau is helpless. The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, mentioned that claimed inputs were 'open-source information,' conveying Trudeau's helplessness in sharing. Trudeau had jumped the gun but can go no further.

Neither the Indian PM nor foreign minister have commented on Trudeau's accusations, leaving it to the MEA spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, to counter him, displaying how seriously India takes Canada. Bagchi countered Trudeau by stating that no proof was provided. He mentioned, "We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada." Bagchi hit back at Canada, mentioning, "From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil has been shared with Ottawa but not acted upon," hinting Canada officially supports Khalistan activists on its soil.

India also leaked a report which it had shared with Canada on activities of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.