TORONTO – India has formally requested that Canadian authorities bolster security for its officials and diplomatic premises, particularly in Vancouver, after a US-based secessionist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), threatened to “siege” the Indian consulate. The planned 12-hour protest was scheduled for Wednesday, September 18.
A senior Indian official confirmed that the matter was “strongly” raised with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Canada’s foreign ministry. These communications are a direct appeal for Canada to fulfill its obligations under the Vienna Conventions, which mandate the host country to ensure the safety and security of foreign diplomats and their missions.
Protest Coincides with Nijjar Killing Anniversary
The demonstration was timed to coincide with the second anniversary of a pivotal moment in India-Canada relations. On September 18, 2023, then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in the House of Commons that there were “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. India has consistently described these accusations as “absurd” and “motivated.”
The SFJ, which has been banned in India since 2019, has claimed that a threat against campaigners for the “Khalistan Referendum” continues. The group also alleged that Nijjar’s replacement in the movement, Inderjeet Singh Gosal, has been offered witness protection by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Gosal was among those charged by Canadian police following a violent attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton in November 2024.
New High Commissioners Signify Thawing Ties
The SFJ’s call for a siege comes at a sensitive time, as India and Canada have begun to mend their strained relationship. This diplomatic reset started with a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in June.
Following this meeting, both countries recently appointed new High Commissioners. India’s High Commissioner-designate to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has already been targeted by the SFJ, with the group including his image in a protest poster with a target on his face. As a result, Canadian authorities have already provided him with enhanced security.
While the Vancouver consulate is expected to function “normally,” officials have advised visitors with scheduled appointments to reschedule “for the safety of scheduled visitors/applicants,” a measure described as “very unfortunate” for those affected.