Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Tensions have recently escalated between India and Canada, triggered by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's allegations that Indian government might have "potential links" to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. In response, India temporarily halted visa services for Canadians, raising concerns about the implications for trade, immigration, and diplomatic relations
A significant development in this diplomatic standoff is the official confirmation by the United States of the existence of "shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners". This revelation implies that Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau was informed about possible Indian government involvement in the killing through intelligence sharing within the Five Eyes Alliance
The Five Eyes Alliance, formally known as FVEY, is a multilateral intelligence-sharing arrangement among partner countries that share common principles, including the rule of law, human rights, and a common language. The member countries are the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada
The roots of this intelligence-sharing alliance trace back to World War II, when the UK and the US decided to collaborate on intelligence matters. The UK-USA agreement formalised the alliance, and it expanded to include Canada in 1949, followed by New Zealand and Australia in 1956
The Five Eyes countries engage in intelligence gathering and security cooperation, with their cooperation deepening in recent years, particularly in addressing shared concerns like the rise of China. They maintain their close ties through the Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council, which facilitates exchanges of views, best practices
While the Five Eyes countries collaborate closely, they do not always align in their foreign policies. Notably, New Zealand's stance on certain Chinese actions differs from that of the other four countries due to its significant trade ties with China. Additionally, the United States has sought to exert its influence through other groupings like the QUAD and AUKUS, involving like-minded countries on security matters
Amidst these diplomatic tensions, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India has unveiled a sophisticated financial network connecting Khalistani militants and gangsters in Canada to funds generated in India through various illegal means
These illicit funds have been channeled into surprising investments, including yachts, movies, and even the Canadian Premier League, underscoring the international scope of these financial operations
The NIA's extensive investigation has unveiled a series of financial transactions spanning from 2019 to 2021, involving substantial sums ranging from Rs 5 lakh (approximately $6,500) to Rs 60 lakh (approximately $72,200). These funds were transferred by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to recipients in Canada and Thailand through the hawala system. The funds have served a dual purpose – financing radical activities and making investments abroad
The ongoing tensions between India and Canada, coupled with the involvement of the Five Eyes Alliance, have the potential to affect not only bilateral relations but also trade, immigration, and the countries' relationships with their Western allies. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to address the issues at hand