Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and a designated terrorist in India, has admitted to maintaining communication with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office over the past few years. In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Pannun revealed that SFJ had been in contact with Trudeau’s office, reporting alleged espionage operations by India on Canadian soil.
Pannun, in response to recent claims by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme regarding Indian government involvement in violent activities in Canada, expressed that these communications reflect Canada’s dedication to justice. He described Trudeau’s recent stance against alleged Indian interference as a positive step, following years of SFJ providing intelligence on Indian spy networks.
Pannun also emphasized that the expulsion of Indian diplomats was just the beginning, calling for a permanent closure of Indian consulates in Vancouver and Toronto. He argued that replacing expelled diplomats would not dismantle what he claims to be Indian espionage networks, viewing the situation as a direct challenge to Canadian sovereignty.
This admission from Pannun comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The crisis was further fueled by RCMP Commissioner Duheme’s allegations that Indian agents were involved in acts of violence, including extortion and intimidation, particularly targeting pro-Khalistani activists. The RCMP also claimed links between Indian officials and the Bishnoi gang, a criminal organization operating in Canada.
India has firmly denied these accusations, with its Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissing the claims as baseless. Officials in New Delhi rejected the allegations of Indian agents’ involvement in violence and stated that Canada had provided no evidence to substantiate its claims. The MEA held Prime Minister Trudeau responsible for the worsening diplomatic relations, emphasizing that Canada’s accusations were based on intelligence rather than concrete proof. Trudeau, while standing by his government’s position, acknowledged that the allegations stem from intelligence assessments, not definitive evidence.
This diplomatic standoff has severely strained India-Canada relations, with both countries standing firm on their respective narratives.
