Sikh leaders in British Columbia are demanding the closure of India’s consulates in Vancouver and Toronto, following revelations from the RCMP about India’s alleged involvement in violent acts targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. These calls come in response to the Canadian government’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, amid accusations of crimes such as homicide and extortion tied to the Khalistan independence movement.
Gurkeerat Singh, spokesperson for the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey—where activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader, was assassinated in 2023—voiced concerns for the safety of Sikhs in Canada, insisting that Indian diplomatic outposts remain a threat unless they are shut down. Similarly, Jatinder Singh Grewal, representing Sikhs for Justice, echoed these concerns, warning that the threat to the Sikh community could escalate despite the diplomatic expulsions.
The RCMP has linked Indian diplomats to clandestine activities, including gathering intelligence on pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Canada and allegedly passing that information to criminals. Sikh groups argue that closing India’s consulates would reduce the diplomatic protection enabling these covert operations and better safeguard Canadian sovereignty.