Canadian High commissioner links Indian government to alleged assassination plots in North America
- In Reports
- 01:49 PM, Oct 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
As the deadline for Canadian diplomats to leave India approached, High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay, who returned to Canada in August after completing his term, provided insight into the ongoing diplomatic tensions. He described the recent U.S. indictment as painting a “compelling and detailed portrait” of “a single plot” originating from Delhi, targeting multiple individuals across North America, specifically in Canada and the United States.
This marks the first occasion the Canadian envoy has publicly connected the assassination of pro-Khalistan separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last June with the alleged plot to assassinate fellow separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the U.S. India has categorically denied these allegations, dismissing them as “absurd and politically motivated.” In response to the diplomatic fallout, MacKay’s Deputy High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler was expelled along with five other Canadian diplomats. In turn, India recalled its High Commissioner and five additional diplomats, with the Canadian government confirming their expulsion.
“The indictment and the charges in the United States just yesterday, and then the indictment that was released on November 29, 2023, paint a really compelling and a rather detailed portrait of a single plot emanating from Delhi to kill multiple targets across North America, in Canada and the United States,” MacKay told Canadian public broadcaster CBC News. He elaborated that when combining the two indictments with the evidence presented and comments made by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Monday, a “very clear picture” emerges of the situation, which has been unfolding for over a year.
MacKay labelled the Indian government's actions as a “tremendous strategic error,” remarking on the audacity of agents allegedly contracting violent crimes across North America and expecting to evade consequences. He indicated that there were tactical missteps that led to the perpetrators being caught, referencing incidents in both Canada and the U.S.
Highlighting what he termed “serious red lines” that have been crossed, MacKay noted the reputational damage for the “Indian brand” stemming from the recent U.S. indictment. The U.S. indictment implicated Vikash Yadav, an Assistant Commandant with the CRPF, who allegedly collaborated with India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) as a key conspirator in the plot against Pannun. Yadav has been placed on the FBI’s most wanted list. Reports revealed that just weeks after being identified as “CC-1” (co-conspirator) in November documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, Yadav was arrested in Delhi for extortion and subsequently released on bail from Tihar Jail in April.
MacKay emphasised that Canada’s primary concern is public safety and accountability regarding these incidents. He warned that, given the Indian government's current stance, it may take considerable time to address the underlying issues. He stressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between the two nations, aiming to minimise the fallout from this diplomatic dispute for the people and businesses involved.
Addressing the Indian government’s response, he criticised New Delhi’s approach of denial and vilification towards Canada, suggesting that repairing relations is not a priority for them at this time. MacKay observed a disparity in India’s diplomatic handling of Canada and the U.S., remarking, “India can’t afford to do to the U.S. what they think they can do to Canada.”
When questioned about India’s democratic standing, MacKay urged observers to consider the country in its entirety, acknowledging it as a significant global player, the most populous nation, and a long-standing democracy. He noted that both Canada and India share strategic interests due to their democratic foundations but reiterated that the actions of the Indian government have crossed significant lines, necessitating Canada’s reaction.
Looking forward, MacKay stated, “We need some accountability first, and then one day, I think we will return to a better and more collaborative relationship with the government of India.” He underscored that the current conflict is between the two governments and should not negatively impact innocent citizens or businesses.
MacKay expressed a desire for improved relations in the long run, highlighting the potential for collaboration between Canada and India. However, he pointed out that significant errors made by some in Delhi over the past few years need to be acknowledged and addressed before normalisation can occur.
He concluded by stating, “Well, I really couldn’t speculate on that. It’s really up to India whether they are willing at some point to collaborate, to cooperate with Canada, and to get to the bottom of this. So, the ball is in their court.” Just a day earlier, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly had stated that the remaining Indian diplomats in Canada were “clearly on notice” following the designation of the Indian High Commissioner in Ottawa as a person of interest in the investigation into Nijjar’s assassination.
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