Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has urged Canada and the U.S. to increase pressure on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Pannun, the target of an alleged India-led assassination plot, called for decisive action in an interview. He insisted that foreign governments must prevent India from silencing dissidents on their soil, accusing Indian authorities of running a “spy network” from their consulates.
The U.S. Justice Department recently unsealed indictments against two Indian nationals involved in an alleged plot to kill Pannun in New York. Among the accused is a former Indian government official who allegedly operated as an intelligence officer when the assassination plan was orchestrated. According to the indictment, this ex-official, identified as Vikash Yadav, played a pivotal role in organizing the attempt on Pannun’s life.
Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, claimed India’s consulates in the U.S. and Canada are operating as “spy networks” targeting Sikh activists. “The U.S. and Canada need to put their foot down… and close these consulates permanently,” Pannun said, insisting that Modi’s government should not be allowed to carry out “hostile activities” on foreign soil. Although he did not provide evidence for his claims, similar allegations have been made by other Sikh activists.
Growing Strains Between India, Canada, and the U.S.
The allegations against Indian operatives have further strained India’s diplomatic relations with Canada and tested ties with the U.S. Last year, both Canada and the U.S. alleged that Indian agents had plotted assassination attempts against Sikh campaigners advocating for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab state.
Tensions escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader. Canada responded by expelling six Indian diplomats, with India mirroring the action. Although Canada has made formal accusations, India has denied involvement and requested evidence.
India has dismissed the accusations as baseless, denying involvement in any assassination plots abroad. When questioned by Reuters, India’s foreign ministry did not respond regarding the allegations of Pannun’s assassination plot or accusations of operating spy networks. India has officially labelled Pannun as a terrorist since 2020.
Regarding Yadav, the indicted former government official, India claimed he is no longer employed by the government but did not clarify if he was previously an intelligence officer or his exact role in the alleged plot.
Rising Concerns Over Khalistan Movement Overseas
Indian security officials have raised concerns about the potential resurgence of the Khalistan movement overseas, fearing it may lead to renewed militancy in Punjab. The movement for a separate Sikh homeland gained traction in the 1980s and 1990s, resulting in thousands of deaths and significant unrest in the region. While the Khalistan movement has limited support in India today, support has grown among the diaspora in countries like Canada, the U.S., and the UK.
Despite threats to his life, Pannun said his advocacy for an independent Khalistan will continue. Through peaceful referendums held across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, he aims to raise awareness about the cause. The Sikh leader underscored his commitment to peaceful methods for achieving the goal, emphasizing that threats against him will not hinder the movement.
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