Canada’s spy agency has warned that the assassination of a prominent Sikh activist in British Columbia signals a significant escalation in India’s repression efforts. The report, made public on Wednesday, blames Indian officials and their proxy agents for influencing Canadian politics and communities.
The move comes after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit, where they pledged to restore diplomatic relations. However, Sikh organizations and human rights activists have expressed concerns that the resumption of ties “must not come at the expense of justice and transparency.”
The report singles out the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey two years ago, which investigators linked to Indian agents and criminal networks. Since becoming prime minister last year, Carney has sought to restore relations with India, but critics say he has compromised on key issues.
Canada’s government has taken steps to address concerns, including designating an Indian gang as a terrorist organization and expelling senior diplomats from both countries. However, the move has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that it does not go far enough in holding India accountable for Nijjar’s killing.
The incident has sparked tensions between Canada and India, with both sides imposing visa restrictions and expelling diplomats. The US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan have also expressed concerns about growing reports of transnational repression.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/canada-india-assassination-carney-modi