Context:

• Canadian Prime Minister's allegations of potential Indian government links to a Sikh separatist leader's killing strain India-Canada relations, supported by reports from the Five Eyes Alliance.

What is Five Eyes Alliance?

About:

• The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, cooperating on signals intelligence under the UK-USA Agreement.

Features:

• These nations exchange intelligence in a close multilateral agreement. The group expanded to 'Nine Eyes' (including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Norway) and '14 Eyes' (adding Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden).

Origins:

• Formed during WWII, it began with the BRUSA agreement to share intelligence between the UK and US. In 1946, UKUSA was established, with Canada joining in 1949, and New Zealand and Australia in 1956.

How it Works:

• The alliance involves intelligence sharing and security collaboration, driven by common interests and decades of trust. The Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council monitors activities.

Role in India-Canada Issue:

• Countries like the US, UK, and Australia are close to both India and Canada, with Indian populations. They may mediate once clear intelligence on the matter is available, given their ties to both nations and the alliance's historic role.