“India vehemently denies Canada accusations linking its agents to the Bishnoi gang, escalating diplomatic tensions as both nations trade barbs over alleged criminal connections.”
Canada claims linking Indian government agents to the Bishnoi gang have heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. According to reports, Canadian authorities, including the RCMP, have suggested that notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang may have been involved in targeted killings, including that of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with potential backing from Indian operatives. This assertion comes amidst ongoing investigations into Nijjar’s assassination in June 2023.
Canadian police have long been aware of Bishnoi’s criminal network, which operates across borders, particularly in India and Canada. Bishnoi, who is imprisoned in India, allegedly continues to run his criminal activities remotely. The RCMP has raised concerns about India’s potential involvement, citing intelligence linking Bishnoi’s gang to Indian state actors.
India, however, has firmly rejected these accusations. The Indian government has denied any involvement in Nijjar’s murder or any connections with the Bishnoi gang. It has called claims “absurd” and an attempt to deflect from its own failure to address security issues within its borders. Indian authorities have also pointed out that Canada has long been a haven for Khalistani elements, which poses a threat to India’s national security. India views this allegation as part of an ongoing pattern where Canada overlooks extremist elements operating on its soil while unfairly accusing India of interference.
In the wake of these developments, diplomatic ties between India and Canada have become strained, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats. Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, expressed concern over foreign interference, stressing the need for Canadians to feel secure within their borders. Indian officials, in response, have criticized Canada for fostering a toxic environment where anti-India activities are allowed to flourish.
This diplomatic row comes on the heels of larger geopolitical tensions between the two countries, with both nations having different stances on global security issues. Despite these tensions, both governments have urged continued dialogue to address the situation and avoid further deterioration of bilateral relations.
The accusations by Canada are likely to face further scrutiny as investigations continue, with both countries keenly observing the developments. In the meantime, this incident highlights the growing complexities of managing international relations in an era of increasing global criminal networks and the challenges they pose to national security.
Comments 3