Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who had obtained Canadian citizenship and was living in Canada, was declared a terrorist by India in 2020 due to his role as the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).In June 2023, Nijjar was shot dead by two masked gunmen in Surrey, Canada. Following the incident, then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeatedly alleged that India was linked to the killing. India firmly rejected the allegations, and the issue led to a strain in diplomatic relations between the two countries.However, relations between India and Canada have gradually begun to improve under the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Trudeau and has sought to rebuild ties with India.
Meanwhile, the United States announced that 24 individuals, including members associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, had been arrested in connection with the Nijjar murder case. US authorities alleged that Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in an Indian prison, and his North America-based associate Goldy Brar were involved in orchestrating the killing. Hours after the announcement, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Deputy Commissioner Lisa Moreland stated that investigators had found no evidence linking the Government of India to the case. She added that the investigation remains ongoing and will continue based on the arrests mnce gathered so far.
