Tensions Escalate Between Canada and India Over Allegations of Targeted Killings

 

A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Canada and India following serious accusations from Canadian police, who claim that the Indian government collaborated with a criminal network led by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to execute targeted killings of dissidents in Canada.

The controversy escalated on Monday when Canadian authorities alleged that Indian diplomats engaged in "criminal" activities, including extortion, intimidation, and involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Vancouver in June 2023. Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, stated that six individuals had been identified as persons of interest in the case, implicating India’s top diplomat, Sanjay Verma.

The U.S. government has supported Canada’s position, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressing the seriousness of the allegations and calling for India’s cooperation in the investigation. He remarked, “We have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously,” while noting India’s lack of cooperation.

In contrast, India dismissed the claims as “ludicrous,” accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of pursuing a political agenda. The diplomatic spat intensified as both nations expelled each other's top diplomats amid rising tensions.

Canadian police further alleged that agents from the Indian government worked alongside Bishnoi’s criminal syndicate to carry out assassinations targeting members of the South Asian community, particularly pro-Khalistani activists. Bishnoi, who has been incarcerated since 2014, is accused of running a significant criminal enterprise and has been linked to several high-profile murders, including a recent politician's assassination in Mumbai.

Brigitte Gauvin, a Canadian police assistant commissioner, indicated at a press conference that organized crime elements were involved in these operations, specifically pointing to connections with the Bishnoi group. “What we have seen is the use of organized crime elements,” Gauvin stated.

The allegations against India have raised broader concerns about the government's potential orchestration of transnational violence against those perceived as dissidents under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. Trudeau condemned India’s actions, asserting, “India has made a monumental mistake in choosing to use their diplomats and organized crime to attack Canadians.”

Reports have emerged suggesting that the Indian government, under Home Minister Amit Shah, may have directly authorized surveillance and attacks against Sikhs in Canada. This information allegedly reached India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, during a secret meeting, where he denied any involvement in orchestrating violence but acknowledged Bishnoi's capacity to incite violence from prison.

Canadian officials have accused India of obstructing the investigation, refusing to waive diplomatic immunity for the six implicated individuals. New Delhi has countered by claiming that Canadian officials have not provided credible evidence to support their allegations.

In recent discussions, the U.S. has also been involved in addressing allegations of Indian government involvement in transnational attacks. Last year, U.S. investigators thwarted a plot to murder Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly by an Indian government agent. Indian officials are expected to travel to Washington, D.C., to discuss these matters.

Stewart Wheeler, the recently expelled Canadian chargé d'affaires in New Delhi, asserted, “Canada has provided credible, irrefutable evidence of ties between agents of the government of India and the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Now, it is time for India to live up to what it said it would do and look into all those allegations.”