India Reaffirms Commitment Against Transnational Crime After Gangsters Indicted in Nijjar Killing
India on Tuesday stated its consistent position that transnational organised crime poses a serious threat, in its first remarks following the indictment of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Canada's statement regarding the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 'We have noted the remarks made by the RCMP Deputy Commissioner. These remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictment that attributes responsibility to the members of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group. India remains committed to working with our partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation.'
This response came after Canadian police Deputy Commissioner Lisa Moreland told CBC News that there is 'no evidence to suggest that through this organised crime syndicate investigation and the charges laid forward that Indian government officials would be charged or involved in this…nothing has come out to link the Indian government.'
India also welcomed the US Department of Justice's announcement of 'Operation Hardball', a coordinated action involving law enforcement from the US, Canada, and Europe that resulted in the arrest of 24 members of three Indian crime syndicates. They face charges including targeted killings, shootings, extortion, and drug trafficking across international borders.
Jaiswal added, 'India has consistently maintained that transnational organised crime, terrorism, narco-trafficking, human trafficking, illegal firearms trafficking and related criminal networks pose a serious threat to our societies.' He highlighted the growing cooperation between India and the United States in combating such threats.
The case dates back to June 18, 2023, when Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later alleged a 'potential link' between Indian government agents and the killing, which India denied as 'absurd' and 'baseless'. The allegations led to a diplomatic rift, including the withdrawal of diplomats and visa restrictions. However, relations have improved since May last year after Mark Carney became Canada's Prime Minister, with efforts to separate the judicial process from bilateral ties.
The US indictment charges Lawrence Bishnoi and his aide Goldy Brar with ordering the assassination. India has consistently denied any government involvement, and the latest Canadian statement supports that position.
