Wed Nov 06 03:13:36 UTC 2024: ## Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Australia Joins Canada in Condemning India’s Alleged Targeting of Sikh Activists

**Canberra, Australia** – Australia has joined Canada in expressing concern over allegations that India has targeted Sikh activists in Canada. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised the issue with her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Canberra on Tuesday.

The concerns stem from accusations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Indian diplomats have been sharing information about Sikh separatists in Canada with their government, leading to intimidation and violence against these individuals.

India has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “absurd and baseless.” However, the US Justice Department has also announced charges against an Indian government employee in connection with an alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader in New York City, further adding to the growing tensions.

Wong emphasized that Australia respects Canada’s judicial process and believes everyone has the right to be safe and respected in Australia, regardless of their background. She conveyed Australia’s concerns to Jaishankar, highlighting the importance of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the sovereignty of all countries.

Jaishankar, in turn, criticized Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats, calling it “unacceptable.” He also expressed concern over the vandalism of a Hindu temple near Toronto, which he described as “deeply concerning.”

The escalating tensions between India and Canada have been fueled by accusations that India has been interfering in the affairs of other countries. Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, has alleged that Modi expressed his desire for Canada to arrest individuals who have been critical of the Indian government. While Trudeau maintains that advocating for separatism, though not government policy, is not illegal in Canada, he has also stated his government’s willingness to work with India on combating terrorism, hate speech, and other unacceptable activities.

The diplomatic row has led to the expulsion of each side’s top diplomats last month and has raised serious concerns about the future of relations between India and Canada.

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