India criticizes Canada for inaction on arrest requests related to Lawrence Bishnoi gang

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India publicly criticized Canada for its failure to respond to multiple requests for the arrest of members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal articulated that despite India’s repeated communications highlighting security concerns, Canada has not taken any action, implying that political motives may underlie this inaction.

Jaiswal revealed that there are currently 26 extradition requests pending with Canada, some of which date back over a decade. "We had shared security-related information regarding gang members, including those associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and requested their arrest. However, no action has been taken so far," he stated, adding that this lack of response is perplexing given the serious nature of the requests. The MEA further criticized the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for shifting blame onto India for crimes allegedly committed by gang members in Canada, indicating a lack of accountability on Canada’s part.

The diplomatic row escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Canada in 2023. During a session at the Foreign Interference Commission, Trudeau admitted that Canada lacks “hard evidentiary proof” and is relying on intelligence assessments. Jaiswal responded firmly, asserting that Canada has not provided any evidence to substantiate its serious allegations against India and its diplomats. He emphasized that Trudeau's accusations appear to be politically motivated and detrimental to India-Canada relations.

In light of the deteriorating diplomatic ties, both nations have taken reciprocal measures, expelling diplomats from each other’s countries. India recalled its High Commissioner to Ottawa and expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler and Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert. They have been given until October 19 to leave India. This move underscores the deepening rift between the two countries amidst accusations and counteraccusations.

The US State Department has also weighed in on the situation, confirming that India has removed CC1, an individual accused of conspiring to murder Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that an inquiry committee from India is currently in the US to address the case, reflecting India’s commitment to resolving these serious allegations.