New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh’s proposal to establish an India-Canada committee to investigate alleged interference by New Delhi in Ottawa’s democracy has been rejected by the Canadian Parliament. Jagmeet Singh, a prominent pro-Khalistani leader, blamed the Conservative Party for blocking the move and accused some Parliamentarians of being directly connected with foreign interference from India. The rejection comes in the midst of an escalating diplomatic row between India and Canada, particularly after the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
Jagmeet Singh expressed concern over the growing tension between the two nations and emphasized that Canada’s democracy was at risk. He urged the House of Commons to present a united front against what he described as foreign interference by the Indian government. Jagmeet Singh called for the creation of a Canada-India committee to investigate the matter and propose further steps to protect Canadian sovereignty. “A government like Narendra Modi’s cannot find an ally in this Parliament willing to look the other way, and that we all take foreign interference incredibly seriously,” Jagmeet Singh stated.
The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada intensified last week when India strongly condemned Ottawa’s claims that Indian diplomats were “persons of interest” linked to the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder. India dismissed these allegations as “preposterous imputations” and has since downgraded its diplomatic ties with Canada.
Jagmeet Singh’s proposal for the committee coincided with a claim by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Indian agents in Canada were working with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan elements. Jagmeet Singh responded to the report by demanding severe sanctions on India and expressing disappointment over the Liberal Party’s decision to shut down his proposal for the relations committee. He accused the Liberals of obstructing efforts to address foreign interference, while also criticizing Conservative Parliamentarians, whom he claims have connections to Indian interference.
Jagmeet Singh, who has previously called for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Canada, doubled down on his accusations, referring to the organization as a “violent, militant, terrorist network from India.” He urged Canada to collaborate with allies like the United States and the United Kingdom to pressure India and hold the Modi government accountable.
The diplomatic crisis between the two nations has already seen both India and Canada recall six diplomats each, further straining relations. Jagmeet Singh continues to call for accountability, emphasizing that Canadian leaders must prioritize the safety and security of their citizens amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
