Report Claims UK Shared Sensitive Intelligence With Canada on India’s Link to Nijjar Murder

Canada: Call intercepts by Britain's intelligence agency Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) helped suggest to Canadian authorities that India may have had a hand in the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to a new documentary. This link has come into the news as the documentary Inside the Deaths that Rocked India’s Relations with the West claims that British intelligence informed Canada about three potential targets—Nijjar, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and Avtar Singh Khanda. 

Why did this information come out?

The alleged role of Indian government agents has come to light in data transferred under the UK-Canada intelligence partnership (Five Eyes), which Canada has publicly accused. Canada had received “relevant information” in July 2023, after which it had leveled allegations against India. 

What issues gave rise to the controversy?

The case has strained India-Canada and UK-India relations, as India has described the allegations as "politically motivated."  The document says British intelligence was passed to Canadian officials by hand, not sent into electronic systems, and shown only to pre-approved officials. This information has also been cited on the death of the third person, Khanda, which has now increased the sensitivity of this matter in the UK.

What does it mean?

This revelation indicates that major intelligence agencies are keeping an eye on activities happening outside the country's borders, and this is affecting international diplomacy. Along with this, this issue also brings to the fore that the foreign policy and intelligence activities of a country like India can cause international tension.

Furthermore, such impeachment proceedings may affect the country's sovereignty, political image, and foreign relations.

What will we see next?

There may be further legal investigation or public reports in this matter, which will shed light on the operations of intelligence agencies. Diplomatic relations between India-Canada and India-UK may take a new turn—especially in terms of intelligence sharing, foreign policy, and security cooperation.

After this revelation, the debate on the method of sharing such intercepted intelligence, its legal aspects, and privacy rights may intensify in other countries also.