Canada Says India No Longer Plotting Attacks on Canadians Ahead of PM Carney's Visit

Cautious optimism from Ottawa as tensions ease, but concerns remain over safety of Canadian Sikhs

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India, the Canadian government is expressing cautious optimism that India has ceased plotting attacks on Canadian soil. A senior official stated that Ottawa believes the clandestine operations linked to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2022 have been halted, allowing for the Prime Minister's trade mission to proceed. However, the World Sikh Organization of Canada has disputed this claim, arguing that Sikh Canadians continue to face surveillance, harassment, and threats.

Why it matters

The shift in tone comes after a period of heightened diplomatic strain following allegations that Indian government agents were involved in Nijjar's assassination. The Canadian government has prioritized rebuilding economic ties with India, viewing the country as a key partner in diversifying trade and reducing reliance on the United States. But concerns remain within the Sikh community about ongoing safety and security issues.

The details

The Canadian official, speaking on background, indicated a growing confidence that the clandestine operations linked to Nijjar's murder have been halted. However, the World Sikh Organization of Canada has disputed this claim, citing a recent 'duty to warn' letter issued by Vancouver police to a Canadian Sikh activist about a credible threat against his life and his family. The RCMP investigation into Nijjar's murder continues, and the force has previously linked the Indian government to a broader pattern of violence targeting pro-Khalistan activists.

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India begins on February 27, 2026.
  • Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist, was murdered in Surrey, British Columbia in June 2022.

The players

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada who is scheduled to visit India on a trade mission.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar

A prominent Sikh activist and advocate for the Khalistan movement who was murdered in 2022.

Lawrence Bishnoi

A gang leader who authorities believe was contracted to carry out the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Moninder Singh

A Canadian Sikh activist who has received multiple 'duty to warn' letters from the Vancouver police about credible threats to his life and his family.

Mike Duheme

The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who previously announced that the force had linked the Indian government to a broader pattern of violence targeting pro-Khalistan activists.

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What they’re saying

“We have a very robust diplomatic engagement, including between national security advisers, and I think we can say we're confident that that activity is not continuing or we would not be having this type of discussion.”

— Senior Canadian government official (newsdirectory3.com)

“We have robust safeguards in place to avoid foreign interference.”

— Senior Canadian government official (newsdirectory3.com)

“The assertion that India has ceased its activities is utterly false. It does not reflect the experiences of Sikh Canadians who report ongoing surveillance, harassment, and intimidation.”

— World Sikh Organization of Canada (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The RCMP investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder continues, and the force has previously announced that it has linked the Indian government to a broader pattern of violence targeting pro-Khalistan activists.

The takeaway

While the Canadian government expresses confidence in a shift in India's behavior, concerns remain regarding the safety and security of Canadian citizens, particularly within the Sikh community. The Prime Minister's upcoming trade mission to India will need to navigate this complex and sensitive issue as it seeks to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.