November 9, 2025 | New Delhi — A new chapter has opened in the already strained relationship between India, Canada, and the United Kingdom after revelations surfaced in a recent documentary alleging that British intelligence intercepts played a role in connecting Indian officials to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
The explosive claim — first reported by The Indian Express and The Independent — has reignited diplomatic tensions that had begun to cool in recent months, threatening to undo fragile progress in mending ties between New Delhi and Ottawa.
India has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd and politically motivated,” while insisting it remains committed to international norms and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
But the latest revelations, which reportedly cite intercepted communications shared among allied intelligence agencies, have once again thrust the Hardeep Singh Nijjar assassination into the global spotlight — raising questions about espionage, international law, and the limits of state sovereignty in the age of global intelligence-sharing.
The Background: Who Was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was a Canadian citizen of Indian origin who was shot dead on June 18, 2023, outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
Nijjar was known to be a vocal advocate of the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create an independent Sikh state carved out of India’s Punjab region. The Indian government had declared him a “wanted terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2020, alleging his involvement in extremist activities and links to banned separatist organizations.
Nijjar, however, denied these allegations, claiming he was a peaceful activist advocating for Sikh self-determination.
His killing sent shockwaves across Canada’s Sikh community — home to one of the largest Sikh diasporas in the world — and triggered diplomatic fireworks between India and Canada.
The Initial Controversy: Trudeau’s Explosive Accusation
In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unprecedented statement in Parliament, claiming that Canadian intelligence had uncovered “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing.
“Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty,” Trudeau said.
The accusation led to the expulsion of Indian diplomat Pavan Kumar Rai, identified as the head of India’s intelligence wing (RAW) in Canada, followed by India’s retaliatory expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat.
The diplomatic fallout was swift:
- Visa services for Canadians were temporarily suspended.
- Trade talks between the two countries were put on hold.
- Both governments reduced their embassy staffing amid escalating tensions.
India dismissed Trudeau’s claims as “politically driven and baseless,” accusing Canada of harboring Khalistani extremists who threaten India’s unity and national security.
The British Connection: Spy Intercepts Surface
Fast-forward to November 2025, and the controversy has been reignited by a new investigative documentary broadcast on BBC Panorama and later reported by The Indian Express.
According to the report, British intelligence agencies allegedly intercepted communications involving Indian operatives, which were later shared with Canadian authorities. The intercepts reportedly formed part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — a network comprising the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
While neither the U.K. nor Canada has officially confirmed these details, unnamed intelligence officials quoted in the documentary suggest the intercepts were considered “credible enough to support Canada’s allegations.”
A British government spokesperson, however, declined to comment on “intelligence matters,” maintaining that the U.K. values its “deep and historic relationship with India.”
These revelations have further complicated diplomatic equations, especially since India and the U.K. have been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected to boost bilateral trade by billions of dollars.
India’s Response: ‘Politically Motivated Narrative’
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly rejected the claims, calling them a continuation of the “anti-India narrative pushed by certain interest groups.”
In an official statement, the MEA said:
“The allegations being recycled in sections of foreign media are baseless, biased, and reflect a politically motivated agenda. India has consistently emphasized that it does not conduct or condone acts of violence abroad.”
India also pointed out that Canadian law enforcement has failed to produce concrete evidence in the Nijjar case, accusing Ottawa of allowing terrorist networks and hate groups to operate freely under the guise of free speech.
A senior Indian diplomat, speaking anonymously, stated:
“Intelligence intercepts can be misinterpreted. We have repeatedly asked Canada to share verifiable evidence through proper diplomatic channels, but none has been provided so far.”
Canada’s Stand: Justice and Accountability
Canada, meanwhile, insists that its investigation remains ongoing and that it will pursue justice regardless of the political implications.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly reiterated in a recent press briefing:
“This is about the rule of law and ensuring that Canadian sovereignty is respected. We expect cooperation from all countries involved.”
Canadian media outlets, however, have reported that Ottawa is walking a diplomatic tightrope — balancing domestic pressure from the Sikh diaspora with international backlash from India, a key economic and geopolitical partner.
Political analysts note that Trudeau’s minority government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of foreign relations and internal security.
The Global Angle: Espionage, Alliances, and Sovereignty
The Five Eyes alliance — which includes some of the world’s most powerful intelligence agencies — has traditionally maintained a discreet but robust cooperation framework. If confirmed, the sharing of British intercepts with Canada underscores the depth of intelligence collaboration within this network.
However, it also raises thorny questions about transparency, sovereignty, and due process.
“Intelligence sharing is vital for national security, but when it becomes part of international accusations, it must be handled with utmost caution,” said Dr. Arvind Menon, a foreign policy expert at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
He added:
“This episode highlights how intelligence leaks can reshape diplomacy in an era where information moves faster than policy.”
For India, the allegations come at a sensitive time, as it seeks to position itself as a responsible global power and a key player in Western strategic alliances — including trade, technology, and security partnerships.
Trade and Diplomacy: Ripple Effects Beyond Borders
The India-Canada diplomatic freeze has already affected bilateral engagements. Trade negotiations have stalled, academic exchanges have slowed, and visa processing for Canadian citizens remains limited.
Now, with the U.K. inadvertently drawn into the controversy, there’s concern the issue could spill over into India-U.K. trade discussions as well.
Experts say that while the U.K. government is unlikely to take a confrontational stance, the media coverage could complicate political optics.
“India is a critical partner for post-Brexit Britain,” said Emily Hawthorne, a senior political analyst at Eurasia Group. “London will try to balance its alliance commitments with its economic interests.”
At the same time, the episode has given ammunition to critics in both countries who accuse Western nations of double standards — condemning some nations for alleged extraterritorial operations while turning a blind eye to others.
Public and Political Reaction in India
Indian social media platforms have been flooded with commentary defending the government and questioning the motives of Western media outlets. Many users labeled the renewed allegations as “foreign propaganda” designed to tarnish India’s image.
Prominent political figures from the ruling party have called the reports a “distraction tactic” by Trudeau’s administration to deflect attention from domestic scandals and economic challenges in Canada.
The opposition, however, urged the government to engage diplomatically rather than dismissing the claims outright. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said:
“India must protect its international reputation. We need clarity and transparency rather than reactive denial.”
Experts Warn of Long-Term Repercussions
Diplomatic experts caution that the Nijjar controversy, if not carefully managed, could have long-term implications for India’s global image and its relationships with Western democracies.
“This is not just a bilateral issue anymore — it’s about how democratic nations address allegations of cross-border operations,” said Prof. Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center, Washington D.C.
He added that the case could influence how intelligence cooperation frameworks are viewed in future, especially among nations balancing security concerns with civil liberties.
Conclusion: A Case That Redefined Diplomacy
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case has evolved far beyond a single incident — it’s now a flashpoint in modern diplomacy, testing the resilience of alliances, the transparency of intelligence systems, and the credibility of governments on both sides.
As spy intercepts and intelligence leaks continue to surface, one truth becomes evident: this controversy has reshaped global perceptions of India’s diplomacy and challenged the norms of international accountability.
Whether the claims are ultimately proven or dismissed, the fallout will likely linger for years — a reminder that in today’s interconnected world, even whispers in intelligence corridors can echo across continents.
The world watches closely as India, Canada, and the U.K. navigate this diplomatic storm — where truth, trust, and technology collide on the global stage.
