India has included Canadian border police official Sandeep Singh Sidhu on its list of fugitive terrorists amidst escalating diplomatic tensions over the death of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Reports indicate that India has identified Sandeep Singh Sidhu, an official with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), as a wanted terrorist for deportation. This development follows a notable diplomatic disagreement between India and Canada under the leadership of Justin Trudeau concerning the alleged killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as reported by Hindustan Times.
This incident occurred shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police made public statements accusing Indian diplomats of targeting Sikh separatists within Canada. It was claimed that Indian diplomats were sharing intelligence on Sikh separatists with their government. Canadian officials implied that Indian officials were linked to the violence and crimes against Canadian citizens after receiving information from high-ranking Indian officials. The Canadian authorities accused high-ranking Indian officials of collaborating with organized crime groups in India. Rejecting these allegations as baseless, the Indian foreign ministry announced the expulsion of Canada's acting high commissioner and five other diplomats in retaliation.
Media reports have alleged that Sandeep Singh Sidhu is implicated in promoting terrorist activities in Punjab. Sandeep Singh Sidhu is under scrutiny due to his affiliation with the prohibited International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) as well as his employment with the CBSA. Additionally, there are claims linking Sandeep Singh Sidhu to Pakistan-based Khalistan terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode and other ISI agents. He is believed to have been involved in the assassination of Balwinder Singh Sandhu in 2020. As per a report from Times Now, Sandeep Singh Sidhu, an official from CBSA, was recently promoted to the position of superintendent.
During the period of insurgency in Punjab, Balwinder Singh Sandhu emerged as a symbol of resistance for his actions against Khalistani militants. The individual awarded the Shaurya Chakra was recognized for his stance against Khalistan referendums organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the United States and Canada.
