New Sikh Federation Forms to Counter Alleged Indian Influence in Canada

A newly-formed national advocacy group, the Sikh Federation Canada, has emerged to address what it claims is an increase in Indian government interference in Canadian affairs. The Federation aims to unify Sikh voices across Canada to counter the alleged campaigns of misinformation and transnational repression that threaten their community’s safety. This development follows recent revelations by Canadian officials that a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inner circle may have orchestrated intelligence-gathering operations on Sikh separatists in Canada, possibly involving violent tactics.

Canada’s security agencies reportedly sought to manage tensions privately before taking a public stance. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison confirmed that Canada had informed the Washington Post of alleged connections between the Modi administration and a campaign targeting Sikh activists in Canada. While not naming Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah directly, Morrison acknowledged that the Washington Post had accurately identified him as the orchestrator. These developments have spurred calls for government action and a unified Sikh advocacy response.

Moninder Singh, spokesperson for Sikh Federation Canada, highlighted the organization’s mission to empower the Sikh community and combat misinformation. “We will push back against foreign interference that unfortunately leads to transnational repression and, in our case, even assassination,” Singh stated. The Federation has issued four specific calls to action: suspending intelligence-sharing agreements with India, launching a public inquiry into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, prosecuting alleged conspirators, and allocating resources to combat disinformation campaigns targeting Sikhs.

Tensions have escalated since the June 2023 killing of Sikh-Canadian activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, B.C. In September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed credible allegations linking India’s government to Nijjar’s murder. Further reports indicate that Indian officials, possibly using a transnational network, have targeted pro-Khalistani activists in Canada, involving alleged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in extortion, arson, and intimidation.

In response to escalating threats, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, on October 14, citing a severe public safety threat. India reciprocated by expelling six Canadian diplomats. National Security Advisor Nathalie Drouin revealed that Canada had engaged in multiple meetings with Indian officials, including a recent one in Singapore, to present evidence. However, Indian officials allegedly denied cooperation and countered with accusations of Canada ignoring Khalistani violent extremism.

As diplomatic tensions grow, the Sikh Federation Canada is determined to press Canadian lawmakers to act decisively, ensuring the safety of Sikhs in Canada without compromising to foreign pressure. The Federation’s formation represents a significant step towards addressing community concerns and countering perceived threats on Canadian soil.