Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing scrutiny following his allegations that the Indian government deployed agents to conduct illegal activities in Canada, including extortion and murder. Reports suggest that sensitive intelligence related to these claims was leaked by a close aide to the US-based Washington Post, raising questions about the integrity of the information.
According to The Globe and Mail, Trudeau’s national security adviser, Nathalie Drouin, shared sensitive intelligence about India with the publication days before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) publicly linked Indian agents to violent criminal activities, including homicides. The leak reportedly involved information regarding the killing of pro-Khalistan militant Sukhdool Singh Gill, who was shot in Winnipeg on September 20, 2023. Gill’s death occurred shortly after Trudeau accused Indian government agents of involvement in the murder of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
In a recent parliamentary inquiry, Trudeau acknowledged that he lacked concrete evidence to substantiate his allegations against India. The paper noted that the timing of the intelligence leak to an American outlet contrasts with Trudeau’s criticisms of leaks regarding China’s alleged interference in Canadian elections, which he has characterized as damaging to public trust in government institutions.
Nearly a year after these allegations surfaced, relations between India and Canada have deteriorated, with both nations expelling their high commissioners. On October 14, Canadian police claimed to have clear evidence linking Indian officials to violent crimes but did not provide specifics to support their assertions, citing the need to protect ongoing investigations.
India has strongly denied the allegations, branding them as “preposterous” and suggesting that Trudeau’s accusations are politically motivated, stemming from his reliance on a Khalistani-sympathizing leader to maintain a parliamentary majority. In contrast, Trudeau has remained largely silent on allegations concerning Chinese interference in Canadian elections. During a public inquiry, he criticized The Globe and Mail for publishing information on Chinese activities, labeling it as “criminal leaks of classified information” that could harm reputations and erode confidence in Canadian institutions. China has also denied any involvement in Canadian elections, with Trudeau downplaying such allegations as typical diplomatic behavior.