Senior diplomats from India and Canada have engaged in discussions concerning the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, with a specific focus on the safety of Indian diplomats. These meetings come amid rising concerns over threats directed at Indian officials within the North American country.
The dialogue between Indian and Canadian diplomats has occurred at least twice in recent months, following a series of meetings between security officials from both countries earlier this year. This interaction was partly prompted by the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, a situation that has drawn significant attention and concern.
Weldon Epp, the assistant deputy minister for the Indo-Pacific region at Global Affairs Canada, met with Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, during ASEAN-related meetings in Vientiane, Laos, in early June. This meeting served as a platform to address ongoing issues affecting bilateral ties, including a revival of working group meetings between the two nations.
Epp’s subsequent visit to New Delhi facilitated further discussions with Mazumdar, during which Indian officials expressed their concerns about pro-Khalistan activities in Canada, especially regarding threats to Indian diplomats and diplomatic missions.
The Indian side raised alarms over the activities of numerous Khalistani activists and organisations, many of which are banned under India’s anti-terrorism laws. During these discussions, Canadian representatives acknowledged their disapproval of anti-India protests by pro-Khalistan groups, describing them as “lawful but awful.” This characterization has been reiterated in other diplomatic dialogues, including conversations between Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
According to sources, the talks were conducted away from public scrutiny, allowing both parties to engage in candid discussions about sensitive issues affecting their relationship. It has been reported that the dialogue has been largely constructive, with Canadian officials becoming more sensitised to India’s concerns.
India’s frustration has been amplified by provocative posters targeting high-ranking Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma. Newer posters have even featured the Indian Prime Minister and other Cabinet members. Additionally, India has expressed its displeasure over displays depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
As the diplomatic discussions unfold, the legal proceedings surrounding Nijjar’s murder are also progressing. The next hearing for the four individuals accused of involvement in his killing—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh—is set for October 1. Canadian prosecutors are anticipated to present extensive evidence, potentially spanning thousands of pages, which will require weeks for the defence to review.
Nijjar, who was shot dead in Surrey on June 18, 2023, had been designated as a terrorist by India in 2020. In September 2023, Indian officials dismissed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential involvement by Indian government agents in Nijjar’s death as “absurd.”
The diplomatic engagements between India and Canada have also been influenced by visits from David Vigneault, the former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). His unannounced visits to India earlier this year included meetings with senior Indian intelligence officials, indicating a broader effort to address security and bilateral relations.
In summary, the ongoing dialogue between India and Canada reflects a mutual recognition of the importance of addressing pro-Khalistan activities and enhancing diplomatic security. As both countries work towards maintaining and strengthening their relationship, the outcome of these discussions will likely shape future interactions and collaboration in various sectors.