Pro-Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Admits Contact with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Amid Rising India-Canada Tensions

Pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has admitted to having contact with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, adding a new layer of complexity to the already tense relations between India and Canada. This revelation comes after Canada accused Indian agents of being involved in the June 2023 assassination of pro-Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India has strongly denied as baseless and politically motivated. The diplomatic fallout has seen both countries expelling diplomats, further straining ties. Pannun’s acknowledgment highlights the growing influence of pro-Khalistani sentiments within Canadian politics, driven by the country’s large Sikh diaspora. This development raises concerns about how diaspora politics is shaping Canada’s foreign policy toward India, complicating diplomatic efforts amid the ongoing crisis.