India is set to request the extradition of 26 individuals it alleges are terrorists based in Canada, according to Indian media. The matter is expected to be raised during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the G7 summit in Alberta from June 15–17, during a likely bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
New Delhi accuses these individuals of being involved in secessionist activities, particularly the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh homeland in India. Tensions between the two countries have risen sharply since Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
India has designated key figures in the Khalistan movement, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as terrorists. In 2023, U.S. prosecutors alleged an Indian plot to assassinate Pannun, who holds both U.S. and Canadian citizenship.
The Indian government hopes Canada will speed up the pending extradition cases and cooperate on mutual security threats. Meanwhile, Sikh separatists continue to hold anti-India protests and demonstrations in Canada, the U.S., and the UK, further straining diplomatic ties.