OTTAWA — As Canada aims to mend its relationship with India, a senior official has emphasized the need for a public commitment from India regarding accountability measures. This advice was given to Prime Minister Mark Carney in May, following allegations that the Indian government was involved in a series of criminal activities and murders. Despite claims of increased collaboration between the two nations, concerns are growing within Sikh communities about potential violence and repression.

Balpreet Singh, spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization, expressed frustration, asking, "Where did that go?" The push to rebuild ties with India marks a significant shift for Canada, especially after a diplomatic freeze that began in 2023. This freeze was triggered when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced credible evidence suggesting that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

By fall 2024, tensions escalated as both countries expelled numerous diplomats. Canadian officials cited evidence from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police linking Indian agents to domestic crimes. At that time, Canada requested that India waive diplomatic immunity to facilitate an investigation, a request that was reportedly denied.

Under Carney's leadership, Canada is looking to strengthen its relationship with India, particularly as it seeks new trade partners amid ongoing trade disputes with the U.S. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Canada’s first Hindu cabinet minister, recently shared her positive interactions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her first official visit. She recounted personal conversations with Modi, including his offer to assist in spreading her father's ashes in the Ganges River.

Carney's efforts to reset relations began in June when he invited Modi to Canada for the G7 leaders' summit, highlighting India's economic significance and role in global supply chains. A briefing note prepared for Carney indicated that Canada expected a public commitment from India regarding accountability measures. The note also referenced the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, which killed 329 people, and suggested high-level attendance from Indian officials at the commemoration.

Singh has raised concerns about the lack of progress in securing a public commitment from India. He pointed to recent comments from Indian officials, including the new envoy to Canada, who questioned the allegations against India in the Nijjar case. Singh stated, "I’m dealing with a community that is under a wave of terror that no one really seems to care about or even know about."

Nijjar, a prominent activist advocating for an independent Sikh state, was labeled a terrorist by India, which denies any involvement in his death. Canadian authorities have charged four Indian nationals in connection with the case. The Canadian government has repeatedly sought assurances from India regarding an inquiry into its potential involvement in Nijjar's murder, but previous efforts under Trudeau were met with dismissals from Indian officials.

Despite a change in tone from the Carney government, there is no indication that the Modi administration has altered its stance or committed to an internal inquiry. However, when the U.S. government raised similar allegations regarding a plot to murder Sikh American activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Modi agreed to investigate and report back to U.S. authorities, a response Canada has sought.

Nathalie Drouin, Carney’s national security and intelligence advisor, outlined Canada’s expectations during a recent inquiry into foreign interference. She stated, "The first thing… for us is instead of denying the situation, take our law enforcement actions seriously and look at what happened in their own system."

Drouin, who visited India in September, reported that Indian law enforcement officials were collaborating with Canada. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office reiterated that accountability remains a priority for Canada, noting ongoing discussions between the two countries.

Moninder Singh, a representative for Sikh Federation Canada, expressed that initial confusion within Sikh communities regarding Canada’s re-engagement with India has shifted to anger. He emphasized that without a public commitment from India, the assurances from Canadian officials are seen as meaningless.

In addition to Drouin, CSIS Director Daniel Rogers has also traveled to India to foster cooperation in the Nijjar investigation. Rogers described his discussions with Indian counterparts as "candid and frank," focusing on Canada’s interests and potential areas for collaboration. However, he confirmed that inquiries into Nijjar's murder were not part of his discussions. "I talk about Canada’s interests and what we need to see to have a trusted relationship," he said.

As Canada navigates this complex diplomatic landscape, the call for accountability from India remains a central issue for many in the Sikh community and Canadian officials alike.