ISLAMABAD, As India faces questions regarding state-sponsored terrorism activities in Canada, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is poised to engage with the Narendra Modi-led Indian government concerning its prosecution of non-profit organisations (NPOs).

According to Kashmir Media Service, this matter is slated for discussion during FATF’s “mutual review” of India, expected to commence this month. Following the FATF Plenary Committee meeting on October 27, it was decided that the Indian government will be prompted to “clarify measures applying to NPOs”.

The Modi administration had previously sought to counter efforts by international “human rights organisations” urging the FATF to enforce its Recommendation 8 of 2001 more vigorously. This recommendation is designed to shield NPOs from potential terrorist financing while also ensuring that legitimate charitable activities are not adversely impacted.

To further hold India accountable at the FATF, the American Bar Association’s Centre for Human Rights recently provided an analytical foundation. Their report examined five instances involving Indian NPOs and human rights advocates, highlighting the misuse of counter-terrorism financing laws to curtail civic freedom and target these defenders. The report implored the Indian government to halt the misuse of its counter-terrorism laws to preserve its international credibility in counter-terrorism efforts.

It is noteworthy to mention that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on September 18, disclosed in parliament the involvement of Indian governmental agents in the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, a prominent Khalistan movement leader, was fatally shot by unidentified individuals outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. Since Trudeau’s announcement, diplomatic relations between Canada and India have been tense.