Sikh group in Canada slams India over new report into 2023 activist killing
Al Jazeera
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A recent report by *The Globe and Mail* has sparked outrage in the Sikh community in Canada, alleging that Indian consular officials in Vancouver were involved in the 2023 assassination of prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. According to the report, a visa officer at the Indian consulate, believed to be linked to India’s external intelligence agency (RAW), provided information about Nijjar to another RAW official in New Delhi, who then communicated with the Bishnoi gang—a group accused of multiple crimes in Canada. The gang allegedly arranged Nijjar’s killing, which occurred outside a Sikh gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has condemned these allegations as a “grave attack” on Canadian sovereignty and the safety of Sikh Canadians. The organization is calling for an expanded investigation into Nijjar’s murder, urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to hold those who directed the killing accountable, including potential Indian officials. This comes amid criticism of Carney’s recent India visit, which activists argue prioritized trade over human rights.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. Periasamy Kumaran, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that India categorically rejects any involvement in transnational violence or organized crime. The report has reignited tensions between Canada and India, particularly as it follows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 pledge to investigate credible allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
Nijjar, a key figure in the Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh state in Punjab, was targeted due to his separatist activities. His death has become a contentious issue in Canadian-Indian relations, with some questioning whether New Delhi respects the safety and rights of Sikhs in Canada. The WSO has also raised concerns about threats against other Sikh activists, underscoring ongoing tensions between the two nations.
This controversy highlights the delicate balance countries must strike between diplomatic ties and addressing serious allegations of state complicity in violence. As Canada seeks to diversify its trade partners, particularly amid US tariffs, questions remain about how human rights considerations will factor into such decisions.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/2/2026