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The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist in Canada, has unveiled shocking allegations involving Indian consular staff in Vancouver. Recent revelations suggest that these officials may have supplied critical intelligence that contributed to Nijjar’s killing, heightening tensions between Canada and India and raising questions about foreign interference in Canadian sovereignty.
A Network of Intrigue
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was murdered on June 18, 2023, outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. He was a pivotal figure advocating for a separate Sikh homeland, often referred to as Khalistan, within the Indian state of Punjab. His assassination has been a point of contention, straining diplomatic relations between Canada and the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Investigations led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada’s national security agencies have uncovered troubling evidence. Sources indicate that Kanwaljit Singh, a visa officer at the Indian consulate in Vancouver, was allegedly involved in gathering intelligence on Nijjar from the local Indian diaspora. Sources familiar with the investigation, including one from law enforcement and another from national security, have suggested that Singh was also linked to India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
The Consulate’s Role
Singh reportedly collaborated with a senior diplomat, identified only as Manish, who was serving as consul-general in Vancouver at the time. The Globe and Mail has chosen not to disclose the names of these sources due to their non-authorised status. However, they confirmed that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) was monitoring Singh as part of its investigation into his alleged undercover activities.
The expulsion of six Indian diplomats in October 2024, following mounting evidence of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, marked a significant escalation in the diplomatic spat. While the Canadian government named only Sanjay Verma, the high commissioner, as part of the expelled contingent, the broader implications of these actions have reverberated throughout both nations.
A Chilling Connection
The investigation into Nijjar’s death revealed that intelligence about him was relayed back to an officer in New Delhi, identified as Vikash Yadav. Reports suggest Yadav communicated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, known for its criminal activities in Canada, which is believed to have orchestrated the assassination. The connection between Indian officials and organised crime raises profound concerns about the extent of foreign interference in Canada’s domestic affairs.
Yadav has been implicated in various plots targeting Sikh activists, including a foiled attempt to assassinate another prominent figure associated with Nijjar. This escalating pattern of violence and intimidation against Sikh activists has prompted Canadian authorities to take a stand, declaring the Bishnoi gang a terrorist organisation in September 2025.
Diplomatic Ramifications
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s current visit to India aims to mend the fractured relationship and seeks to establish a free trade agreement by year-end. However, the allegations surrounding Nijjar’s death complicate diplomatic negotiations. The Indian government has consistently denied any wrongdoing, with High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik asserting there has never been foreign interference in Canada by Indian officials.
As discussions unfold, it’s crucial to note that the Canadian government has walked a fine line between seeking stronger economic ties with India while addressing serious allegations of extraterritorial actions by Indian agents. A senior official stated that Ottawa does not currently believe that India is still involved in Canada’s domestic politics; however, this assertion was later qualified by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who acknowledged that “a lot more work needs to be done.”
Why it Matters
The implications of these allegations extend far beyond the tragic killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. They raise critical questions about the sovereignty of Canada and the safety of its diaspora communities. If foreign governments can orchestrate acts of violence on Canadian soil, it undermines the very fabric of Canadian democracy and the rule of law. The revelations surrounding Nijjar’s assassination not only highlight the complexities of international diplomacy but also the urgent need for Canada to safeguard its communities from foreign coercion and influence. As Canada navigates this treacherous diplomatic landscape, the stakes have never been higher for its national integrity and the protection of its citizens.
