Two senior Canadian officials have admitted leaking intelligence on India to the Washington Post without needing authorization from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar Nathalie Drouin, Trudeau’s national-security adviser, revealed before a parliamentary panel that she and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison had coordinated the leak as a "communications strategy" to shape the U.S. media narrative on the issue. Drouin stated that the information shared with the U.S. media outlet was unclassified, aiming to present Canada’s perspective on an intensifying row with India. She claimed the approach had been overseen by Trudeau’s office but insisted that no sensitive or classified information was leaked. She noted that the leak was intended to bring attention to Canada’s concerns about threats posed by Indian activities targeting Sikh Khalistan activists in Canada.

"Serious crimes committed in Canada include homicides, assassination plots, and violent intimidation," Drouin said, emphasizing Canada’s stance that urgent action was necessary to address these concerns. The diplomatic standoff has continued to escalate since Trudeau revealed Indian agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s killing in September 2023. Conservative critic Raquel Dancho expressed frustration, stating, “Details were shared with the Washington Post but withheld from Canadians, which is unfair to the public who deserve transparency.” Canada’s recent revelations add new complexity to the tense relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, diplomatic exchanges have largely stalled, with Canadian officials calling for international support while maintaining pressure on India to address their grievances.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan