India has accused the North American nation of aiding illegal migration and facilitating organized criminal activities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement late Tuesday night asserting that Canada has been consistently interfering in India’s internal affairs, which has created an environment conducive to unlawful activities.
The MEA dismissed a report that had purportedly made allegations about India’s involvement in external affairs, rejecting any insinuations made against the country. This was further substantiated by the release of the Hogue report on Foreign Interference. India then turned the tables, stating that it expects the support system enabling illegal migration and organized crime in Canada to be dismantled.
One of India’s long-standing concerns has been the presence of wanted criminals and separatist elements on Canadian soil. According to the MEA, Indian authorities have repeatedly flagged these concerns to the Canadian government, yet no significant action has been taken.
In October last year, the MEA specifically raised the issue of gang members linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious criminal involved in various crimes in India. The Indian government had requested Canada to take action against these individuals, but no progress was made. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had then remarked, “They haven’t taken any action on our core concerns. There is a political motive also behind this.”
India has also expressed frustration over Canada’s handling of extradition requests, particularly in the case of Hardip Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who was wanted by Indian agencies and was facing an Interpol red corner notice, was identified as a key figure with alleged links to separatist activities. In 2018, India had formally flagged his case to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, seeking his extradition. However, Canada not only refused to comply with India’s request but also granted Nijjar citizenship.
Nijjar had a history of run-ins with Indian authorities. Declared an “individual terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in July 2020, he had been wanted by Indian agencies for years. Punjab Police had also secured an Interpol red notice against him in 2016, and in 2022, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a ₹10 lakh bounty on his head. According to reports, Nijjar had originally fled India in 1997 under a different identity using a passport issued in Uttarakhand. Despite his criminal record and India’s repeated requests, Canada refused to extradite him.
Beyond specific cases, India has long been dissatisfied with what it perceives as Canada’s lack of seriousness in addressing national security concerns related to Khalistani separatism. India has accused Canada of harboring individuals and organizations that advocate for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state in northern India. According to the UN World Migration Report 2024, there are approximately 2.8 million people of Indian origin residing in Canada, with a significant Sikh diaspora among them.
While India continues to push for stronger action against individuals involved in separatist movements and criminal activities, Canada’s reluctance to act on these concerns has remained a major irritant in bilateral relations. The MEA has reiterated its expectation that Canada should take necessary measures to curb illegal activities and address India’s security concerns without delay.
Diplomatic Strain Continues
The latest exchange of accusations marks another chapter in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Despite economic and cultural ties, their relationship has been strained due to differing views on security and political issues. India has made it clear that it will continue to push for action on these matters and expects greater cooperation from the Canadian government in addressing its concerns.
