Canada Labels Sikh Extremism a Threat While Accusing India of Meddling
The Canadian government has classified Sikh extremism as a national security threat in an official document, while simultaneously accusing India of interfering in domestic affairs. New Delhi rejected the statement.
Canada's Ministry of Public Safety classified Sikh extremism as a domestic security risk in its newly published annual threat assessment report. The same document included accusations that India was carrying out surveillance and intimidation activities targeting Sikh communities in Canada. New Delhi rejected the language as 'unfounded'.
Reacting strongly, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Canadian high commissioner and issued a formal protest. The Indian government warned that Canada's claims could derail bilateral trade and migration negotiations. India is home to roughly 1.4 million Sikhs, while Canada hosts the largest Sikh diaspora.
Analysts said the relationship has entered its tensest phase since the investigation into the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing last year. The US State Department issued a statement calling on its two allies to keep diplomatic channels open. The Indian rupee traded in a narrow range against the dollar through the session.
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