In a significant development, the United States Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, has confirmed the existence of “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners” that played a pivotal role in Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent controversial statement regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Khalistani extremist. This revelation sheds new light on the ongoing diplomatic tension between Canada and India.
Trudeau’s statement, made on September 18, accused Indian agents of a possible link to the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. The Five Eyes network, consisting of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, is known for its intelligence-sharing collaboration, particularly in the realm of surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT).
India swiftly rejected Trudeau’s allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.” This led to a diplomatic tit-for-tat, with both nations expelling each other’s diplomats over the case.
The revelation about shared intelligence came during an exclusive interview on CTV’s program ‘Question Period with Vassy Kapelos,’ set to air on Sunday. Cohen stated, “There was shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners that helped lead Canada to make the statements that the Prime Minister made.”
While the specific nature of the intelligence was not disclosed, it remains unclear whether it included human intelligence, surveillance-based data, or SIGINT related to Indian diplomats. Cohen’s statement marks the first admission by a US government official regarding intelligence sharing with Canada on this matter.
Reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and The Associated Press suggest that the intelligence Trudeau referred to did not originate solely from Canada but also included information from an unspecified member of the intelligence-sharing alliance.
Cohen also addressed allegations that Ottawa had sought public condemnation of the murder from its allies, including the US, which was reportedly declined. He remarked, “Very bluntly, I will say that – and you know me well enough – that I’m not in the habit of commenting on private diplomatic conversations.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern about Trudeau’s allegations and emphasized close coordination with Canada. Blinken stated, “It is critical that the Canadian investigation proceeds, and it would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and it’s important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result.”
As diplomatic tensions continue to escalate, questions persist about the nature of the shared intelligence and its implications on the ongoing investigation.
News Summary:
- US Ambassador to Canada confirms “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners” in connection with Trudeau’s allegations about Indian involvement in a Khalistani extremist’s murder.
- Trudeau’s statement had accused Indian agents of potential links to the killing of a Canadian citizen, leading to diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
- The nature of the shared intelligence, whether human, surveillance-based, or signals intelligence, remains undisclosed.
- Reports suggest that the intelligence was not limited to Canadian sources alone.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses deep concern and emphasizes close coordination with Canada for a thorough investigation and accountability.