Canadian officials intelligence leak: Nathalie Drouin, the national security and intelligence adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, revealed to a parliamentary panel that she did not need authorization to leak intelligence. This admission follows an acknowledgement by two senior Trudeau administration officials of sharing sensitive information with the Washington Post, aimed at implicating India in alleged plots against Sikh separatists in Canada. Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison confirmed he identified a “high-ranking official” in India linked to these incidents.Conflicting statements on the leaks natureWhile Morrison admitted to confirming the identity of the Indian official to the U.S. media, Drouin contradicted his claims, asserting, This is not the information we provided to the [Washington Post] journalist. She clarified that only “non-classified intelligence” was shared, as part of a “communications strategy” devised with Morrison, and managed by Trudeaus office to ensure Canadas stance was visible internationally. She stated, We provided non-classified information... to show the evidence linking the Indian government to illegal actions against Canadians.”Deteriorating diplomatic relationsThe disclosure follows escalating diplomatic strains, including Canadas expulsion of six Indian diplomats after allegations from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) linked Indian agents to the murder of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These allegations, publicly stated on October 14, prompted New Delhi to respond with reciprocal expulsions.Private meetings and mounting allegationsDrouin also addressed a reported meeting on September 12 between Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Canadian officials, where Canada reportedly presented evidence alleging Indias enlistment of the Bishnoi gang to carry out attacks against Sikh separatists. Drouin claimed Doval dismissed these allegations, denying any Indian involvement.Despite these discussions, Drouin expressed frustration with Trudeaus office, as details were leaked to the media rather than disclosed to the Canadian public. Conservative safety critic Raquel Dancho condemned the decision, calling it unfair to Canadians, questioning why the Washington Post received details before the public.Long-standing tensions over Khalistani extremismCanadas accusations against India come amid longstanding disagreements over Indias classification of Nijjar and other Khalistani separatists as terrorists. While Canada has tolerated pro-Khalistan events, India has repeatedly accused it of failing to counter extremism within its borders.This high-stakes diplomatic conflict has only escalated as both sides continue to trade accusations and question each others stance on handling Khalistani extremism.
