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The diplomatic rift between India and Canada has deepened over issues concerning extradition requests and accusations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada. India has voiced its concerns over Canada's reluctance to extradite individuals linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organization based in India, who are accused of committing crimes in Canada. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that while India had requested the deportation of these individuals, Canadian authorities now claim they are committing crimes in Canada, seemingly blaming India for their activities.
The diplomatic tensions escalated in September 2023 following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in Nijjar's killing, a claim India has vehemently denied. India maintains that there is no evidence to support Canada's allegations, calling them politically motivated. The accusation, coupled with Canada's expulsion of several Indian officials after India withdrew its diplomats from Canada citing safety concerns, further strained the relationship. Despite the strained relations, India emphasized the importance of trade and people-to-people connections with Canada.
A significant revelation came from Prime Minister Trudeau's admission during a public inquiry into foreign interference. Trudeau acknowledged that Canada lacked “hard evidentiary proof” to support the allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar's death. He clarified that Canada's claims were based on intelligence rather than concrete evidence. Trudeau's admission raises questions about the basis of Canada's accusations and adds another layer of complexity to the already tense diplomatic situation. While India and the US are conducting separate but coordinated investigations into a failed plot to assassinate another Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the US confirmed that a former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer implicated in the plot is no longer employed by the Indian government.
Source: "Wanted Canada To Extradite Bishnoi Gang Members": India On Diplomatic Row