Hardeep Singh Nijjar Assassination and the Canada-India Diplomatic Crisis
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 triggered one of the most severe diplomatic ruptures in the history of Canada-India relations. What began as a targeted homicide in British Columbia evolved into a global geopolitical dispute involving allegations of state-sponsored assassination, transnational repression, and the involvement of international criminal networks.
The Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
In the early summer of 2022, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) alerted Nijjar to a likely assassination plot. According to his son, Nijjar met with CSIS officers frequently in the days leading up to his death and was advised to remain at home for his safety.
On the evening of June 18, 2023, Nijjar was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. After exiting the gurdwara, he was gunned down in his Dodge Ram pickup truck, sustaining 34 bullet wounds. Two masked gunmen fled the scene on foot to a waiting silver 2008 Toyota Camry. Investigations by the RCMP's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and reports from The Washington Post suggest a coordinated attack involving at least six men and two vehicles.
Criminal Investigations in Canada and the United States
Canadian Law Enforcement Actions
In May 2024, the RCMP arrested three Indian nationals—Karan Brar (22), Kamal Preet Singh (22), and Karan Preet Singh (28)—who had lived in Edmonton on temporary visas for three to five years. All three face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Police allege these individuals are associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. While other murders in Edmonton are being investigated for links to this group, they are not suspected of being connected to the Indian government.
U.S. Department of Justice Indictments
On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh (also known as Goldy Brar) for their roles in the murder. The indictment alleges that Bishnoi used smuggled prison phones to direct the killing, providing the assailants with Nijjar's photograph and addresses. The FBI has placed a $50,000 bounty on Brar, and the U.S. intends to seek Bishnoi's extradition from India.
Allegations of Indian Government Involvement
In September 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed Parliament that Canadian security agencies held "credible allegations" of a link between agents of the Indian government and Nijjar's death. Trudeau described any foreign government involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen as an "unacceptable violation of our sovereignty."
While Canada has not released public evidence to protect sensitive intelligence sources, sources told the CBC that human and signals intelligence—including messages between Indian officials and data from a Five Eyes (an intelligence alliance comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) member—pointed to Indian responsibility. The U.S. Ambassador to Canada later confirmed that Five Eyes intelligence was shared prior to the public allegations.
By October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, stating they had "irrefutable evidence" that these officials gathered intelligence on Sikh separatists who were subsequently targeted by criminal proxies. Canada further alleged that Indian diplomats coerced Canadians to gather intelligence for the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external intelligence agency.
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Reactions
The accusations led to a rapid deterioration of ties. India rejected the claims as "absurd" and "motivated," accusing Canada of being a "safe haven for terrorists." The fallout included:
- Trade Suspension: Talks on a Canada-India trade deal were suspended on September 1, 2023.
- Diplomatic Expulsions: A tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats occurred, including the removal of Pavan Kumar Rai (RAW head in Canada) and Olivier Sylvestre (Canadian intelligence chief in India).
- Travel and Visa Restrictions: India issued a travel warning for Canadians and temporarily suspended visa processing for Canadian citizens.
- Diplomatic Reductions: India ordered Canada to remove 41 diplomats from its embassy in Delhi.
Relations began to ease in June 2024 after a brief meeting between Modi and Trudeau at the G7 summit. Diplomatic ties were eventually restored in 2025 under the Premiership of Mark Carney.
Key Facts
- Date of Death: June 18, 2023.
- Location: Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Surrey, British Columbia.
- Casualties: Hardeep Singh Nijjar (killed by 34 bullets).
- Primary Suspect Group: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang (designated a terrorist entity by Canada in 2025).
- Intelligence Source: Five Eyes alliance shared intelligence regarding the murder.
- Diplomatic Action: Expulsion of six Indian diplomats in October 2024.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Hardeep Singh Nijjar |
| Alleged Masterminds | Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh (Goldy Brar) |
| Alleged State Actor | Government of India / Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) |
| Key Evidence | Signals and human intelligence via Five Eyes alliance |
| Major Consequences | Expulsion of diplomats, suspended trade talks, visa suspensions |
International Perspectives
Five Eyes and the United States
The U.S. expressed deep concern over "transnational repression" and urged India to cooperate. In November 2023, U.S. authorities claimed to have thwarted a separate Indian government plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the U.S., with an indictment alleging that Pannun and Nijjar were on the same target list.
Other Global Responses
- Pakistan: Condemned India's "network of extra-territorial killings" as a violation of international law.
- Sri Lanka: Accused Canada of being a "safe haven for terrorists" and criticized Trudeau's lack of proof.
- Bangladesh: Criticized Canada's extradition policies, calling the country a "hub for murderers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Canadian citizen and a prominent figure in the Sikh community in British Columbia who was targeted in a coordinated assassination in June 2023.
What is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang?
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is a criminal organization allegedly involved in the murder of Nijjar. Canada designated the group as a terrorist entity in 2025.
What is the Five Eyes alliance?
The Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing partnership between Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Did the Indian government admit to the killing?
No. The Indian government has consistently rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd," "preposterous," and "motivated."
What was the outcome of the diplomatic crisis?
After a period of severe tension, including the expulsion of diplomats and suspended trade talks, ties began to ease in 2024 and were restored in 2025 under the Premiership of Mark Carney.