Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a perfect storm of challenges: declining popularity, internal party dissent, and escalating tensions with India over the death of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Critics question his motives, suggesting the Nijjar probe is more about political gain than justice. The situation highlights the complex history of Sikh extremism in Canada and its impact on bilateral relations.
An aide to slain Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar has been warned of an increased threat to his life by Canadian police. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Canada and India over allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s murder. The US is also investigating a separate shooting targeting a California activist with ties to Nijjar.
Canadian authorities have charged a fourth Indian national in connection with the 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader in Vancouver. Amandeep Singh, 22, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, adding to the ongoing investigation that has strained relations between Canada and India. Nijjar, who advocated for a separate Sikh state known as Khalistan, was shot dead in June 2023, sparking allegations of Indian intelligence involvement.
The United States has stated that it will wait for the results of India’s ongoing investigations into a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US had earlier expressed its stance on seeking accountability from the Indian government, and has emphasized the seriousness with which it views the allegations. The Indian government has initiated a committee of inquiry to probe the matter, while the US Department of Justice will provide details of the indictment returned in the United States.
The ABC’s lead India correspondent, Avani Dias, was forced to return to Australia after the Modi government withheld her visa and subjected her to intimidation. The decision came after the airing of a ‘Foreign Correspondent’ episode on Sikh separatism and before the release of her podcast investigating Modi’s life. The Modi administration’s actions have raised concerns about the suppression of dissent and media freedom in India.
