Canadian Parliament Observes Moment of Silence for Nijjar Killing Anniversary; India Commemorates AI 182 Kanishka Bombing Victims

External Affairs

Canadian parliamentarians observed a moment of silence on June 18 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the killing of Khalistani separatist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian parliamentarians observed a moment of silence on June 18 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the killing of Khalistani separatist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The move, seen as a potential strain on India-Canada relations, followed a recent meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau in Italy on June 14.

Khalistani groups held processions across Canadian cities, chanting anti-India slogans and calling for trials against Indian officials and Prime Minister Modi. This came a day after Trudeau emphasized "keeping Canadians safe" in reference to Nijjar's killing during his discussions with Modi.

The Ministry of External Affairs in India declined to comment on the Canadian Parliament's decision. Canadian House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus noted that the decision followed an “agreement between representatives of all parties in the House.” Nijjar, wanted on terror charges in India, had been placed on the country’s terror list under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with New Delhi seeking his extradition.

In a pointed response, the Indian consulate in Vancouver announced a memorial for the Air India Kanishka bombing anniversary, to be held next week. The 1985 bombing, carried out by Khalistani separatists, killed 329 people, including 268 Canadians and 24 Indians. The consulate urged the Indian diaspora to attend, stating, “India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat.”

A Boeing 747-200 (VT-EFO, Emperor Kanishka landing at London Heathrow Airport

The meeting in Italy was the first encounter between Modi and Trudeau since September 2023, when Trudeau accused Indian “government agents” of involvement in Nijjar’s killing, leading to a diplomatic fallout. Following Trudeau's accusations, India expelled a Canadian diplomat, canceled visas, and reduced the Canadian High Commission’s staff by two-thirds. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested four Indian nationals but have yet to provide evidence linking them to the government.

Trudeau, after the meeting with Modi, indicated a commitment to address important issues, including national security and the rule of law. "Now that he [Modi] is through his election, I think there is an opportunity for us to engage," Trudeau said in an interview on June 17.

While neither New Delhi nor Ottawa commented on the separate memorial events, the contrasting commemorations of the Air India bombing, Canada's worst act of terror, and Nijjar’s killing underscore the ongoing tensions. India has criticized Canada for allegedly providing safe havens to Khalistani groups accused of terrorism, while Canada maintains the issue centers on sovereignty and rule of law, accusing India of interference. Canada also disputes Indian claims of withholding evidence in the Nijjar case and blocking extradition requests.

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