Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India criticises Canada over probe into diplomatic envoy

Four Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder, which occurred in the parking lot of a Sikh temple in Vancouver in June 2023.

The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has strained relations between the two countries after Justin Trudeau said there were 'credible allegations' linking Indian intelligence to the crime. (Photo: Getty Images)
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has strained relations between the two countries after Justin Trudeau said there were 'credible allegations' linking Indian intelligence to the crime. (Photo: Getty Images)

INDIA criticised Canada on Monday, saying that Ottawa was investigating its ambassador and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist leader.

The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, last year has strained relations between the two countries after Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said there were "credible allegations" linking Indian intelligence to the crime.


India's foreign ministry, in a statement, said it had received "a diplomatic communication from Canada suggesting that the Indian high commissioner and other diplomats are persons of interest" in the ongoing investigation.

Nijjar, who moved to Canada in 1997 and gained citizenship in 2015, had been a proponent of a separate Sikh state, Khalistan, to be formed from Indian territory. He was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.

Four Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder, which occurred in the parking lot of a Sikh temple in Vancouver in June 2023.

India dismissed the allegations of its involvement in the killing as "preposterous" and accused Canada of using a "strategy of smearing India for political gains."

India had previously curtailed visas for Canadians and demanded the withdrawal of diplomats in response to the dispute, and on Monday warned of possible further actions.

"India now reserves the right to take further steps in response to these latest efforts of the Canadian Government to concoct allegations against Indian diplomats," the foreign ministry added.

Canada is home to approximately 770,000 Sikhs, representing around two percent of its population, with a vocal minority advocating for an independent Khalistan.

In November 2023, the US Justice Department charged an Indian citizen residing in the Czech Republic with allegedly planning a similar assassination attempt on US soil. Court documents revealed that an Indian government official was also allegedly involved in the plot.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

‘Harry Potter’ filming in London sparks anger as locals claim no consent for Privet Drive remake

Highlights:

  • A London street has been turned into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series
  • Locals in Upminster say they were not told filming was for the HBO remake
  • Some residents fear being “bombarded with wizards” while others are thrilled
  • Cast includes Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

A quiet street in east London has been transformed into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series, but locals are unhappy they were not properly informed about the filming. Springfield Gardens in Upminster, chosen to double as the boy wizard’s childhood home, has left neighbours divided, with some welcoming the attention while others worry they will be “bombarded with wizards.” The HBO production, part of a major reboot, has already brought cameras, drones and fans to the area.

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif

Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain

Instagram/priyankachopra

Farhan Akhtar says ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ will happen but drops bombshell that Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif may exit

Highlights:

  • Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
  • Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
  • Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
  • Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film

Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.

Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less