India considers the Khalistani movement a grave threat to its sovereignty and is worried about the militancy of the 1980s reviving. New Delhi is also frustrated that Ottawa refuses to act against pro-Khalistani groups operating out of its soil.

This is not the first time that India and Canada have locked horns over an issue connected to the Khalistan movement in Canada. The tussle goes back to 1982 when then PM Indira Gandhi spoke her mind on the subject to Trudeau’s father,

Verma expressed his disappointment in an interview with PTI, noting that Canada had backstabbed India and handled the situation in an unproafessional manner, particularly given its status as a supposed ally.

While Canada has been a safe haven for the Khalistan movement for a long time, such groups were revitalised under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who has patronised them since coming to power in 2015 for political gains.

Senior Indian diplomat Sanjay Verma said Khalistanis in Canada were involved in human trafficking, gun running and extortion. He made several explosive claims against Justin Trudeau's government in a bombshell interview.

India's recalled High Commissioner criticizes Canada's unprofessional behaviour in handling diplomatic relations and Khalistani movement support.

Authorities see Lawrence Bishnoi, a hero in his home village in India as the head of a global crime network accused of murder and extortion.