Canada Says India No Longer Targeting Canadians Ahead of PM Mark Carney’s Visit

Canada Signals India No Longer Targeting Citizens Ahead of PM Carney’s Visit

On the eve of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official trip to Mumbai and New Delhi, a senior Canadian government official indicated that Ottawa believes India is no longer carrying out hostile operations against Canadians.

The remarks, delivered during a background briefing with reporters, mark the first time Canadian officials have suggested that alleged covert activities linked to New Delhi may have ceased. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Canada would not be moving forward with high-level diplomatic engagement if there were concerns that such actions were ongoing.

According to Canadian national security agencies, India had been suspected of orchestrating a campaign beginning in 2022 aimed at targeting pro-Khalistan activists in North America. The most serious allegation involved the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has previously stated that individuals connected to the Indian government were linked to criminal networks allegedly used to facilitate violence. Among the names raised during investigations was Lawrence Bishnoi, an Indian gang leader whom authorities believe may have been involved in coordinating criminal activities abroad.

As tensions escalated, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in response to what it described as credible evidence of foreign interference and transnational repression. The diplomatic relationship between the two countries deteriorated sharply, casting uncertainty over trade and security cooperation.

Now, as Carney seeks to reset relations and strengthen economic ties with India — particularly amid shifting trade dynamics involving the United States — the tone appears to be softening. Officials pointed to “robust diplomatic engagement” between the two governments, including discussions at the level of national security advisers and senior ministers.

However, the suggestion that hostile activities have stopped has been met with skepticism from advocacy groups. The World Sikh Organization of Canada rejected the government’s assessment, describing it as inconsistent with what Sikh Canadians report experiencing.

The group cited recent incidents, including warnings issued by Vancouver police to Sikh activist Moninder Singh about potential threats to his safety. According to the organization, community members continue to report surveillance, intimidation, and harassment allegedly linked to foreign actors.

When pressed for specifics, the senior official declined to provide a timeline for when Canada believes the alleged operations ceased. Instead, the official emphasized ongoing diplomatic dialogue and what were described as strengthened safeguards to prevent foreign interference.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has also addressed the issue publicly, reiterating that Canada remains committed to protecting its citizens while pursuing constructive international partnerships.

The situation highlights the delicate balancing act facing Ottawa. On one hand, the government must respond firmly to allegations of foreign interference and ensure public safety. On the other, India represents a key strategic and economic partner in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Carney’s visit to India is expected to focus heavily on trade, investment, and geopolitical cooperation. Yet the shadow of past allegations remains. Whether diplomatic engagement can fully repair trust between the two nations may depend on transparency, accountability, and assurances that Canadian sovereignty will not be compromised.

For now, the government’s message is one of cautious confidence — that tensions may be easing, even as critics urge vigilance.