Australia's top intelligence official has expressed his support for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims about a possible link between the Indian government and the demise of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Mike Burgess, the Director of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), voiced his backing while attending a public gathering with intelligence partners from the Five Eyes alliance in California.
ASIO Director supports Canadian allegations:
ASIO director Mike Burgess expressed confidence in the allegations made by Canada. He stressed that he had no grounds to challenge the statements made by the Canadian government. Burgess emphasized the seriousness of such a charge that implicates the state in the murder of one of its citizens. He stressed that such practices are considered internationally unacceptable.
India's rejection and diplomatic fallout:
India swiftly rejected these allegations, deeming them "absurd," and responded by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat.
Mike’s vigilance and response:
When asked about the possible targeting of Australian Indian activists, Burgess declined to discuss the matter explicitly. However, he assured swift and effective response to any foreign government interference in Australia.
Extremist concerns and National security:
When asked about concerns of extremists in Australia regarding the Indian government, Burgess recommended addressing those questions to the individuals involved. He clarified that incidents of societal protests, counter-protests, or occasional violence differ from a nation-state's covert interference or intimidation efforts. He pledged that Australia would act decisively if any such interference was detected.
Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada:
The ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada erupted following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations, linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18. India had previously designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, and he was subsequently shot dead by two masked gunmen in British Columbia.