Inderjeet Singh Gosal, the leader of Sikhs for Justice in Canada, was arrested on multiple firearm charges on Friday in Oshawa, Ontario. The 36-year-old faces a dozen charges, including illegal possession and careless use of a prohibited handgun, which authorities say posed a danger to public safety.

Gosal's arrest comes two years after the killing of his predecessor, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia. Nijjar was shot dead in June 2023, an incident that has led to heightened tensions between Canada and India. Four men allegedly connected to Nijjar's murder are currently in custody and awaiting trial.

Sikhs for Justice is a group advocating for an independent state called Khalistan, which seeks to separate from India. Following Gosal's arrest, the organization released a statement claiming that it reflects the Canadian government's responsibility to protect its citizens. Gosal had previously stated that Canadian authorities warned him about threats to his life, and he declined an offer for witness protection.

In India, Sikhs for Justice is banned, and Indian media have labeled Gosal a "terrorist." However, the group is not classified as a terrorist organization in Canada and maintains that its activities are peaceful and lawful.

The geopolitical implications of Nijjar's death were amplified when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in 2023 that Canada was investigating credible links between the killing and Indian government agents. This revelation led to a diplomatic fallout, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats from both nations.

Current Prime Minister Mark Carney is working to mend relations with India. He invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Group of Seven conference in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June. Carney has also appointed new diplomats to restore communication and is focusing on sharing information regarding cross-border crime.

On Thursday, Canada’s national security adviser, Nathalie Drouin, met with her Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, to discuss security concerns. They committed to non-interference and agreed to refrain from transnational repression.

Gosal was not available for comment following his arrest, and Ontario’s Attorney General did not respond to requests for further information.