Australia raises concerns over Canada's allegations linked to Indian incident

New Delhi, September 20: Australia has issued its first response to the controversy surrounding Canada's allegations of Indian officials' involvement in the killing of a Sikh leader. The Australian government has deemed these reports "concerning" and has confirmed that it has discussed the matter with its Indian counterparts. Australia's involvement in international alliances, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with India, Japan, and the United States, as well as its membership in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance with Canada, the US, the UK, and New Zealand, underscores the significance of this issue.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking in the Canadian parliament, asserted that his government had 'credible allegations' linking the June killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar to the "agents of the Government of India." He emphasised that he did not intend to provoke India or escalate tensions but urged New Delhi to treat Nijjar's killing with the utmost seriousness. In response, the Indian government has dismissed these allegations as "absurd and motivated."

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, addressed the issue, stating, "Look, these are concerning reports, and I note that investigations are still underway, but obviously these are concerning reports and we are monitoring these developments closely with our partners, and we'll continue to do so... We have, Australia has raised these issues with our Indian counterparts, as you would expect us to do."

When questioned about whether Australia planned to discuss the matter with Japan, given their membership in the Quad, Ms. Wong emphasised Australia's principal stance, which is to uphold the sovereignty of all nations and the rule of law.

In response to inquiries about foreign interference from India in Australia, Ms. Wong highlighted Australia's robust democracy and the diverse views within the Indian diaspora. She stressed the importance of peaceful expression of different perspectives as a fundamental aspect of Australia's democracy.

While details about how Australia shared its concerns with India and any information shared by Canada were not disclosed, Ms. Wong confirmed that Australia had raised its concerns with India. She declined to provide further specifics.

Regarding the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Ms. Wong did not confirm whether the matter was privately discussed.

In response to concerns about the safety of Sikh Indians in Australia, Ms. Wong acknowledged that the allegations were still under investigation but emphasised Australia's commitment to the right to peaceful protest and the protection of Australian democracy.

The ongoing diplomatic dispute between Canada and India has resulted in the expulsion of diplomats from both countries. Canada alleges that a senior Indian diplomat is the head of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in the country, while India has asked a senior Canadian diplomat to leave within five days.

India's External Affairs Ministry has strongly denied Trudeau's allegations, stating, "Allegations of the Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated. Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister, and were completely rejected."

According to reports, Canadian officials had sought public condemnation of Nijjar's killing from their allies, including the United States, prior to making the allegations but faced reluctance.

Also Read: India–Canada row: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau issues fresh message to India amid diplomatic tensions

- With inputs from agencies

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