New Delhi - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on India to cooperate with the investigation in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia while refusing to release evidence, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations. The situation however has raised concerns among traditional Canadian allies, who tread cautiously as they consider India's strategic importance in countering China's influence in the region.

Canada claims to possess credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist leader who was gunned down in June.

The Canadian government has conducted a months-long investigation, gathering both human and signals intelligence, including communications involving Indian officials. Some of this intelligence was reportedly provided by an unidentified ally within the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

According to sources cited by CBC News, no Indian official, when questioned behind closed doors, has denied the allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar's murder.

In response to Canada's allegations, India suspended the issuance of new visas for Canadian citizens and called on Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence within the country. Canadian diplomats have also reported receiving threats on social media, calling into question the safety of Canadian diplomatic staff in India.

The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi has stated that its consulates in India remain open and continue to serve clients. Canada is expecting India to provide security for its diplomats and consular officers, given the potential risks they face amid the escalating tensions.

The allegations have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. The United States, a close ally of Canada and a member of the Five Eyes alliance, has been in contact with both Canada and India over the matter. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability, stating that there is no special exemption for actions like those alleged by Canada.

During the recent G20 summit, US President Joe Biden and leaders from other Five Eyes countries reportedly raised the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This further underscores the gravity of the allegations and their potential impact on global diplomatic relations.

The allegations against India come against the backdrop of a complex history of Sikh separatism in both countries. While the Sikh insurgency in India was largely quelled in the 1980s, concerns persist about the resurgence of Sikh separatist movements, particularly in Canada, where Sikhs make up over 2% of the population.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the slain Sikh leader, was a local figure in the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh homeland. India had designated Nijjar as a "terrorist" in July 2020, accusing him of links to terrorism, allegations that he vehemently denied. Nijjar was working on organizing an unofficial Sikh diaspora referendum on independence from India at the time of his assassination.

As tensions escalate, Canada continues to emphasize the importance of the rule of law and the protection of its citizens. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Trudeau, have stressed that they are not seeking to provoke or cause problems but are committed to uncovering the truth behind Nijjar's murder.

While Canada has yet to publicly release its evidence, it has reiterated its confidence in the credibility of the allegations. Bob Rae, Canada's U.N. ambassador, has stated that facts will emerge in the pursuit of justice, adhering to the principles of the rule of law in Canada.