OTTAWA, Sept 22 – Canadian authorities have arrested Khalistani operative Inderjit Singh Gosal, a key aide of US-based Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on multiple firearms-related charges. Gosal emerged as a principal organiser for the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada following the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
The 36-year-old was previously arrested in November 2024 in connection with a violent incident at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area, where he allegedly attacked worshippers. He was granted conditional release by Peel Regional Police at the time.
Gosal has served as Pannun’s personal security officer and is regarded as his right-hand man in Canada. Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen from Punjab, was designated an “individual terrorist” by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs in July 2020, a year after SFJ was declared a terrorist outfit. Authorities in India have registered more than 100 cases against SFJ and Pannun, including about 60 in Punjab.
The arrest comes shortly after India and Canada agreed last week to adopt a collaborative approach to enhance bilateral ties, including close cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crime. The move signals a significant shift from Canada’s previously permissive stance toward separatist groups operating under the cover of free speech.
Recent diplomatic developments have paved the way for stronger cooperation. Last month, India and Canada reappointed their high commissioners to each other’s capitals, restoring normal diplomatic operations. In New Delhi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin to repair relations strained by the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Nijjar. Earlier in June, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney agreed on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada to pursue “constructive” steps to stabilise bilateral ties.
India-Canada relations suffered a severe setback after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential Indian link to Nijjar’s killing, prompting reciprocal diplomat expulsions in October 2024. The election of Liberal Party leader Mark Carney in April facilitated a gradual reset of relations, culminating in enhanced cooperation on security issues.
Gosal’s arrest is expected to further strengthen India-Canada collaboration against terrorist and separatist networks operating across borders. (Agencies)
