In recent developments, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Michael Duheme revealed to Canadian Members of Parliament alarming claims that Canadian criminals may be directing operations within India. This cross-border activity has intensified concerns within the Canadian government, as these networks allegedly involve Canadian-based criminals orchestrating activities across the globe. These insights add a new layer to the existing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, particularly following recent accusations involving foreign interference and the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
RCMP Commissioner’s Testimony
During a recent parliamentary session, Commissioner Duheme provided details on the RCMP’s ongoing investigation into these transnational criminal operations. He highlighted that organized crime groups in Canada are suspected of establishing operational links within India. This collaboration, according to Duheme, includes the coordination of illegal activities that have implications for public safety both in Canada and abroad. The commissioner stressed that the RCMP’s decision to go public with these revelations was prompted by the urgency of the potential threat, though it would have preferred to keep the investigation confidential.
Diplomatic Fallout and Security Concerns
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that Canada’s concerns were shared with India’s government at the highest levels before being made public. He explained that the need to address the public safety threat ultimately overrode diplomatic protocols. This situation has led Canada and India to mutually expel diplomats, reflecting escalating tensions in their bilateral relations
What This Means for Canada-India Relations
These allegations against Canada-based criminal networks linked to India add a layer of complexity to the strained relations between the two nations. Recent months have seen both Canada and India taking significant measures to counter alleged foreign interference, and these recent revelations will likely add urgency to diplomatic talks focused on security cooperation.
For now, the RCMP is closely monitoring these operations, maintaining communication with Indian authorities, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in dismantling these networks. The agency hopes that public awareness and diplomatic pressure will aid in curbing these cross-border operations as both nations work to improve safety and security measures.
