By Canadian Press

Renewed Indo-Canada ties concern protesters on anniversary of Nijjar killing

Jun 18, 2025 | 3:37 PM

VANCOUVER — Protesters marking the second anniversary of the killing of B.C. Sikh community leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar say they’re concerned about the renewal of Canada’s relations with India, whose agents police have linked to the shooting.

Sikh Federation Canada spokesman Moninder Singh says it was “frustrating” to see Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the G7 meeting in Alberta this week, where he met Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Canada and India agreed to designate new high commissioners and restore regular diplomatic services to citizens after the meeting.

Singh, who was among protesters outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver, says India is a “major player” in foreign interference.

He says he and other Sikh activists have been warned by Canadian law enforcement about a danger of “imminent assassination,” and Modi’s presence is particularly concerning for those under threat of state-sponsored violence.

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RCMP have said there’s credible evidence linking the 2023 killing of Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., to agents of the Indian government.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service said Wednesday in its annual report that Indian officials and their proxy agents in Canada continue to engage in a range of activities that seek to influence Canadian communities and politicians.

Singh says Canada should hold a public inquiry solely focused on India in light of Nijjar’s assassination, as well as ongoing extortion and violent threats against South Asian communities in B.C., Ontario and elsewhere.

Protesters on Wednesday waved flags and shouted slogans in support of Khalistan, a separatist Sikh state that they want created in India.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.

Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press