Fake Memo Linking: The Indian government has swiftly dismissed a ‘secret memo’ circulating on social media that falsely claims to link Indian diplomats to violent activities abroad. The External Affairs Ministry labeled the memo as “fake,” categorically denying its authenticity. The memo, dated April 2023, allegedly issued by former Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, purportedly instructed Indian diplomats to “cultivate” diaspora groups in Canada as part of efforts to counter Sikh extremists.
The Fake Memo Exposed
The memo surfaced online and stirred controversy, claiming that the Indian government aimed to use diaspora groups, such as the Indo-Canada Association (ICA), Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), TiE Silicon Valley, and the US India Business Council (USIBC), to confront Sikh separatists in Canada. The document suggested that these groups be utilized as “vital forces” in street confrontations, a claim that has been fiercely rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“The said GoI communication is fake,” stated the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division (XP Division) of the Ministry of External Affairs, debunking the memo’s contents.
India-Canada Tensions Escalate
This fake memo comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tension between India and Canada. India has repeatedly accused Canada of providing a safe haven for Khalistani separatists. Recently, India condemned a violent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, where devotees were targeted. In response, India has urged Canada to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats stationed in the country.
The diplomatic discord worsened after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied these allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. India even recalled its High Commissioner and five other diplomats from Canada in protest of the charges.
Diplomatic Fallout and Continuing Disputes
Tensions between the two countries reached a new low last year when Trudeau claimed there were “credible allegations” implicating India in Nijjar’s death. The shooting of Nijjar, a self-proclaimed separatist, outside a Surrey Gurdwara in June 2023, remains a contentious issue in India-Canada relations. India rejected Canada’s assertion that its diplomats were “persons of interest” in the investigation, labeling the allegations “preposterous.”
The fake memo incident adds fuel to an already volatile relationship, further complicating the diplomatic standoff and fueling suspicion of a broader propaganda campaign. As tensions between India and Canada continue to unfold, the truth behind such documents is under scrutiny, with India calling for a deeper investigation into external efforts to tarnish its image.
