Canada arrests Inderjit Singh Gosal, key security aide of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: Reports

Canadian authorities have arrested Inderjit Singh Gosal, the personal security officer of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a crackdown on Khalistani elements, reported NDTV, TIMESNOW, and several other media outlets quoting sources. Gosal's arrest, which follows a recent meeting between the National Security Advisors of India and Canada, is viewed as a significant move against Khalistani groups operating abroad.

This action comes after a period of strained relations between India and Canada, stemming from allegations of India's involvement in the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.

Inderjit Singh Gosal served as the personal security officer (PSO) of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of Sikh For Justice (SFJ), said reports. Pannun has been listed as an "individual terrorist" by India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).


Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the US originally from Punjab, was declared an “individual terrorist” in July 2020. His organisation was declared a terrorist outfit by the MHA in July 2019.

Authorities have registered more than 100 cases against the SFJ and Pannun. Around 60 of these cases are in Punjab alone.

Inderjit Singh Gosal's arrest comes shortly after the India-Canada National Security Advisors (NSAs) meeting. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi last week.

India and Canada have agreed to adopt a collaborative approach towards a new chapter in bilateral ties. This includes working closely to combat terrorism and transnational crimes.

India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in 2023. Trudeau alleged a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In October last year, India recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats. This was after Ottawa attempted to link them to the Nijjar case.

India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats.

However, Liberal Party leader Carney's victory in the parliamentary election in April helped in beginning the process to reset relations.