The tensions between India and Canada are on the rise. Amidst the deteriorating relations, Delhi has added the name of an official from the Canadian Border Service Agency to its list of fugitive terrorists. India seeks the extradition of these terrorists from Canada and has handed over the list to the Trudeau administration.
According to reports, Sandeep Singh Sidhu, a member of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and working at the CBSA, has allegedly been involved in promoting terrorism in Punjab, hence his inclusion in the list.
Sidhu's Links with ISI
Sidhu was reportedly in contact with Pakistani Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode, as well as other operatives of the ISI, to carry out the 2020 murder of Balwinder Singh Sandhu. Sandhu was renowned for his fight against Khalistani terrorists and became a symbol of resistance against the separatist movement.
Sidhu's Role in CBSA
Sandhu was honored with the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery. He was also known for opposing the Khalistan referendum organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the USA and Canada. A report suggests that Sandeep Singh Sidhu was allegedly promoted to the position of Superintendent in the CBSA.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that the mastermind behind Sandhu's murder were Canadian-based Khalistani agent Sunny Toronto and Pakistan's terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Rode. It is yet to be uncovered if Sunny Toronto is another alias for Sandeep Singh Sidhu.
Rising Strain in India-Canada Relations
India and Canada's relations have reached a low point in recent years. Not long ago, Canada labeled the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar suspicious, implicating the Indian High Commissioner in Ottawa. India rejected these claims and recalled six of its diplomats. Canada’s Foreign Minister remarked that the remaining Indian diplomats in the country are ‘on notice’.
On Friday, Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly asserted that the government will not tolerate any diplomat endangering Canadian lives or violating the Vienna Convention. India, on Monday, expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced its decision to recall its High Commissioner from Canada after dismissing Ottawa's allegations connecting the Indian envoy to the Nijjar assassination investigation.
