During the recent G20 summit, leaders, including US President Joe Biden, voiced their concerns to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Canada’s accusations of India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. This issue was directly raised with Modi by members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, which includes countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had sought support from allies in addressing this matter.
India firmly denied any role in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent advocate for an independent Sikh homeland. Nijjar was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India dismissed Canada’s claims as “absurd” and argued that Canada hadn’t provided specific information related to Nijjar’s murder.
The situation has strained relations between Canada and India and posed a dilemma for some Western nations, as they aim to maintain strong ties with both countries. Visa services for Indians in Canada have been temporarily suspended, affecting Canadian travelers planning to visit India.
This dispute also underscores India’s long-standing concerns about Sikh separatist groups operating in Canada. While the Sikh uprising in India took place decades ago and was eventually quelled by the government, India has warned of ongoing efforts by Sikh separatists to re-emerge.
The United States has rejected any suggestion of a divide between the US and Canada on this matter and has expressed its deep concerns about the allegations.
