Bharat Leverages Five Eyes to Push Canada on Khalistani Terrorism

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 25^th October. The ongoing tensions between Bharat and Canada have reached a new level as New Delhi continues to press Ottawa on the extradition and crackdown of Khalistani extremists and criminals who have sought refuge in Canada. Bharat’s concerns over Canada’s perceived leniency toward these extremists have become a central issue in the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

In response to Canada’s lack of cooperation, Bharatiya authorities are now exploring a range of strategies aimed at intensifying pressure on the Canadian government. According to a report by The Tribune, New Delhi is seriously considering sharing intelligence and extradition lists of wanted Khalistani terrorists and radicals residing in Canada with other members of the Five Eyes alliance. This move could isolate Canada on the global stage, exposing its non-cooperation in addressing the serious concerns Bharat has repeatedly raised.

The Root of the Diplomatic Tension: Khalistani Terrorism

Khalistani extremism, which calls for the establishment of a separate Sikh state, has long been a source of tension between Bharat and elements of the Sikh diaspora abroad, particularly in Canada. Over the years, several individuals involved in or linked to Khalistani separatist activities have relocated to Canada to escape justice in Bharat. These individuals have not only been involved in separatist propaganda but have also been accused of committing serious crimes ranging from terrorism to extortion, with some reportedly maintaining links with Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

Bharatiya authorities have repeatedly requested that Canada take action against these extremists, submitting multiple extradition requests for individuals believed to be involved in terrorism and violent criminal activities. Yet, according to Bharatiya officials, Canada has shown little willingness to cooperate. As diplomatic relations have soured, Bharat has openly criticized Ottawa for allowing the proliferation of Khalistani extremism on its soil, accusing Canada of harboring individuals who threaten Bharat’s sovereignty and security.

Bharat’s Strategy: Engaging the Five Eyes

Faced with what it perceives as Canada’s inaction, Bharat is now contemplating a significant escalation in its diplomatic strategy. The Five Eyes alliance—comprising the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand—is one of the world’s most powerful intelligence-sharing networks. By bringing the issue to the attention of the other members of this grouping, Bharat aims to shine a spotlight on Canada’s refusal to cooperate on issues of security and extremism.

According to The Tribune, Bharatiya officials are considering sharing the same list of wanted Khalistani extremists with the other Five Eyes nations, highlighting the lack of progress with Canada. The goal of this move is twofold: first, to expose Canada’s non-cooperative stance on a global platform, and second, to seek the assistance of the remaining Four Eyes nations in pressuring Canada to comply with Bharat’s requests.

New Delhi believes that if the other members of the alliance are informed about Canada’s inaction, it may prompt them to take a more active role in encouraging Ottawa to address Bharat’s concerns. Bharat’s decision to engage the Five Eyes on this issue represents a significant shift in its diplomatic approach, signaling that it is prepared to internationalize the dispute in the hope of achieving a resolution.

Canada’s Diplomatic Dilemma

For Canada, the situation presents a complex diplomatic challenge. While Canada has maintained that it is committed to addressing terrorism, it also faces domestic political pressures, particularly from influential segments of its Sikh diaspora, some of whom have expressed support for Khalistani separatism. The Canadian government has been criticized by Bharatiya officials for failing to curb activities that promote extremism and separatism, but Ottawa has been cautious in how it addresses these issues domestically.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has repeatedly stated that Canada upholds the rule of law and respects democratic freedoms, including the right to peaceful expression of political views. However, Bharat argues that this permissiveness has allowed individuals involved in serious criminal and terrorist activities to evade justice and continue their activities from Canadian soil. This clash of perspectives on how to address extremism has been a major stumbling block in Bharat-Canada relations.

Complicating matters further, the ongoing diplomatic rift has made cooperation even more difficult. The death of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Canada in June 2023, has become a flashpoint in the deteriorating relations between the two countries. Bharat has accused Canada of stalling on providing critical documents, such as Nijjar’s death certificate, which are necessary for ongoing investigations.

The Broader Geopolitical Implications

Bharat’s move to engage the other Five Eyes nations underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the current standoff. By bringing this issue to the attention of countries like the US and the UK, Bharat is not only seeking to resolve a bilateral dispute but also positioning itself as a key player in global counter-terrorism efforts. The Five Eyes, as a crucial intelligence-sharing alliance, could serve as a powerful forum for addressing these concerns, particularly if Canada’s allies express support for Bharat’s position.

Furthermore, Bharat’s willingness to share sensitive intelligence with the broader alliance could strengthen its relations with the other Four Eyes nations, reinforcing its reputation as a responsible and cooperative partner in global security matters. Should the issue gain traction within the Five Eyes, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the Bharat-Canada dispute, forcing Ottawa to reassess its approach to Khalistani extremism.

Conclusion

The ongoing tension between Bharat and Canada over Khalistani extremism is a reflection of deeper challenges in international relations, where national security, domestic politics, and diplomacy intersect. Bharat’s frustration with Canada’s perceived inaction is evident, and its plan to involve the other members of the Five Eyes alliance represents a bold attempt to break the diplomatic deadlock.

Bharat’s decision to raise the issue within the Five Eyes is a calculated and pragmatic move. By leveraging the strength of an influential intelligence-sharing network, Bharat is seeking to not only pressure Canada but also align itself more closely with its global partners in the fight against terrorism. This approach could help Bharat gain greater international support for its concerns about Khalistani extremism, which it views as a serious threat to its national security.

However, this strategy is not without risks. Internationalizing the dispute could strain Bharat’s broader relationship with Canada and might complicate future diplomatic negotiations. Additionally, Canada’s domestic political environment, particularly its large and vocal Sikh diaspora, will continue to influence Ottawa’s policy choices. The challenge for Canada will be finding a way to address Bharat’s legitimate security concerns without alienating key domestic constituencies.

Ultimately, the resolution of this diplomatic standoff will require both countries to engage in meaningful dialogue. If Bharat’s move to involve the Five Eyes leads to constructive pressure on Canada, it may pave the way for greater cooperation on counter-terrorism and extremism. On the other hand, if the rift deepens, it could further complicate an already sensitive and fraught relationship between two major democracies.