Amid a notable diplomatic strains, Canada and India are poised to resume intelligence sharing aimed at combating international crime, terrorism, and extremist activity, Bloomberg reports indicate. The announcement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in Alberta later this week.
This development marks a significant thaw in relations between the two nations, which had been embroiled in a diplomatic freeze following Canada’s allegations that India orchestrated the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist and Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil in June 2023. Canadian federal police pointed to involvement by the “highest levels” of the Indian government — a claim that prompted a fierce diplomatic backlash, including the expulsion of diplomats on both sides.
Under the prospective agreement, Canadian and Indian law enforcement agencies would renew cooperation on cross-border threats, currency trafficking, and violent extremism. Canada has conditioned its participation on securing a comprehensive inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the 2023 incident.
Before extending an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for the G7 summit, Carney faced mounting criticism from domestic quarters, particularly following the revelation that Indian‑linked actors may have monitored Canadian opposition MP Jagmeet Singh. Singh was subsequently placed under protection after authorities confirmed real threats to his safety.
Alongside the Nijjar case, Canadian officials have alleged misconduct by Indian diplomats on Canadian soil, including intimidation, extortion, and even homicide, as part of a broader “criminal network” targeting Sikh separatists. These revelations prompted the RCMP to issue warnings to Sikh Canadians about potential danger, with some community leaders going as far as labeling the situation an “act of war” .
Despite claims of sovereignty violations and diplomatic strains, India has consistently refuted the accusations as “absurd,” contrasting the accusations with a reciprocal narrative: it maintains Canada has become a “safe haven” for Sikh militants connected to extremist violence, and has accused Canadian authorities of resisting necessary extraditions and counter-terror efforts.
India’s concerns were highlighted by statements from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, suggesting the country may escalate the issue to international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), accusing Canada of harboring terror funding and obstructing lawful enforcement of extradition requests.
Yet even amid these diplomatic strains, recent developments suggest a tentative return to pragmatism. Prime Minister Carney has emphasized India’s strategic importance — as the world’s fifth-largest economy with a critical role in global supply chains — while analysts view the re-engagement as essential for tackling mutual threats such as organized crime and extremist financing.
Community leaders in Canada, including MPs and Sikh organizations, have expressed concern over both the safety of diaspora communities and Canada’s commitment to legal and human rights standards. They demand transparency and accountability, particularly in the face of potential unresolved extrajudicial actions .
The upcoming summit appearance by PM Modi under Carney’s invitation will serve as a focal point for observers tracking whether this agreement signals genuine reconciliation — or a fragile détente undercut by lingering distrust. The agreement, expected to be formally announced alongside G7 leaders, will stand as a critical test of both countries’ willingness to compartmentalize longstanding disputes while confronting shared threats in a volatile global security environment.
