Escalating Diplomatic Row: India Places CBSA Official on Fugitive Terrorist List

In the midst of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India has reportedly placed a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) official, Sandeep Singh Sidhu, on its list of fugitive terrorists wanted for deportation.

Sidhu, who is alleged to be a member of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), is accused of promoting terrorist activities in Punjab. He reportedly has connections to Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode and other operatives linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Allegations include his involvement in the 2020 assassination of Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a Shaurya Chakra awardee known for his resistance against Khalistani militants during Punjab’s insurgency.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently alleged that Indian diplomats were targeting Sikh separatists in Canada by sharing information with Indian authorities, which was then passed on to organized crime groups involved in extortion and murder. India has dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and has responded by expelling Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats.

Reports indicate that Sidhu had been promoted to superintendent within the CBSA. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) claims that operatives based in Canada, including “Sunny Toronto” (potentially an alias for Sidhu), coordinated the assassination of Sandhu, who opposed Khalistan referendums led by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in North America.

This development follows recent statements from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, highlighting that at least 26 extradition requests submitted to Canada over the past decade remain pending. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that despite sharing security-related information about gang members, including those from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, no action has been taken by Canadian authorities.

Jaiswal expressed concern, stating it was “strange” that individuals India sought to have deported were now being implicated in crimes in Canada, with the RCMP attributing blame to the Indian side.