Canadian authorities have arrested three Khalistani separatists, including Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a close aide of the banned terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The arrests were made during a traffic stop in Ontario on September 19 and are being seen as a significant development following recent diplomatic talks between India and Canada focused on curbing extremism.
The three accused were identified as 36-year-old Inderjeet Gosal from Caledon, 41-year-old Jagdeep Singh from Pickville, New York, and 23-year-old Arman Singh from Toronto. They were taken into custody after police stopped their vehicle on Highway 407 near Harmony Road in Oshawa.
Authorities charged them with several firearms-related offences, including careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and carrying a concealed weapon. The accused were presented before the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa and are likely to face further legal action as investigations continue.
Inderjeet Gosal is a known associate of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the US-based Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
Gosal became a prominent figure in SFJ’s operations in Canada following the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. His name had previously come up in November 2024 after he was arrested for a violent incident at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. He was conditionally released at the time.
The recent arrests come just a day after India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, met with his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi. The meeting focused on mending strained bilateral ties and emphasised the need for concrete action against pro-Khalistan elements accused of promoting terrorism and anti-India agendas.
Indian officials have interpreted the arrests as a possible shift in Canada’s stance, which has previously been criticized for allowing separatist activity under the banner of free speech. The move is being closely monitored in New Delhi to assess whether it reflects a genuine policy change or a symbolic gesture amid international pressure.
The development may mark a turning point in India-Canada relations, which have been under severe strain since 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s killing - an allegation India strongly rejected.
In 2023, the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar in Canada led to serious tensions between Delhi and Ottawa. Relations between the two countries deteriorated to the point where the number of diplomatic staff at embassies was drastically reduced. Recent meetings between officials from both sides are attempts to restore and improve bilateral ties.
India has consistently raised the issue with Canada that Khalistani outfits operating on Canadian soil are involved in anti-India activities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has, on multiple occasions, expressed concern over the use of Canadian territory by separatist elements to incite violence, promote extremism, and undermine India’s sovereignty.