Diplomatic Rift: UK Urges India to Cooperate in Canada’s Investigation of Sikh Leader’s Murder Amid Escalating Tensions

The UK has stated that India must collaborate with Canada in the investigation of the assassination of a leading Sikh figure. Amidst allegations by Canada that India orchestrated the killing of a notable Sikh separatist in British Columbia, both nations have expelled diplomats from each other's countries.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 12

The United Kingdom has urged India to collaborate with Canada in probing the assassination of a Sikh leader in British Columbia, following a diplomatic spat that led to both nations expelling diplomats from each other's countries.

Relations between India and Canada, typically allies, have become tense following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leading figure in the Sikh separatist movement. Nijjar was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen while exiting a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.

In September of the previous year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned that there were "credible allegations" suggesting a connection between the Indian government and the assassination.

India dismissed the allegations as "ridiculous" and instructed Canada to expel 41 of its 62 diplomats stationed there.

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Canada hosts approximately 770,000 Sikhs, making it the biggest Sikh community outside of Punjab. Over the years, Delhi has reproached Ottawa for not condemning the pro-Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh state in India.

On Monday, the situation escalated when Canada dismissed six top Indian diplomats, among them High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, following police revelations of continuous violent criminal activities connected to the Indian government, a high-ranking Canadian government official disclosed.

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India has decided to expel six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of Mr. Verma. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed its lack of confidence in the present Canadian government's ability to guarantee their safety.

The strained relations position the United Kingdom centrally, as it shares membership in the Commonwealth with both India and Canada, collaborates with Canada in the G7 and NATO, and maintains a defense partnership with India along with prospects for a free trade agreement.

On Monday, during a phone conversation, Sir Keir Starmer and Mr. Trudeau discussed "recent events related to ongoing investigations in Canada," according to a statement from Downing Street.

The Foreign Office has stated, "We are currently communicating with our Canadian counterparts regarding the significant findings reported by the independent inquiries in Canada.

The United Kingdom fully trusts Canada's legal system. Recognizing sovereignty and adherence to legal principles is crucial.

"India's government collaborating with Canada's judicial proceedings is the appropriate move forward."

Learn more: Every day in the UK, a Sikh activist lives in fear for his life. In a separate incident, Canada and India have each expelled diplomats from the other country following mutual accusations of

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Concerns that Indian operatives have targeted Sikh activists extend beyond just the situation involving Mr. Nijjar.

In November, the FBI announced it had foiled an attempt by an agent from India to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader in the Sikh activist community, on U.S. soil.

Officials have charged an individual from India, who was allegedly acting under the instructions of an unidentified official from the Indian government.

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British Sikh advocate Kulwant Singh Mothada expressed to Sky News in February his daily fear of assassination by the Indian government, following the broadcast of his image on a "hit list" created by India's counter-terrorism agency, which was aired on Indian television last year.

Mr. Nijjar and Mr. Pannun were included in the list as well.

Mr. Mothada expressed his belief that, unlike Canada and the United States, the UK is choosing to overlook the matter in order to placate India.

He stated, "Should anything happen to me, the complete blame lies with the British government."

In January, a bipartisan group of lawmakers sought an immediate meeting with then security minister Tom Tugendhat after reports surfaced that British Sikhs were receiving "threat to life warnings."

A representative from the UK government stated that they consistently review possible threats and place high importance on safeguarding the rights, freedoms, and safety of individuals within the UK.

Prominent Sikh leaders in both the United States and Canada have reported receiving warnings regarding threats against their lives.

India has requested that the United Kingdom keep a close watch on Sikh separatists residing in Britain, alleging that they misuse the asylum system and engage in "terrorist activities" within the South Asian nation.

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