By Priyank Tripathi

Copyright timesnownews

In a significant crackdown on Khalistani elements, Canadian authorities have arrested Inderjit Singh Gosal, a key figure in the separatist network, sources said. However, an official confirmation from the Canadian authorities regarding the same is awaited. Gosal served as the personal security officer (PSO) of the designated terrorist and Sikh For Justice (SJF) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has been listed as an “individual terrorist” by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Pannun, a dual citizen of the US originally from Punjab, was declared an “individual terrorist” in July 2020, a year after 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, with around 60 in Punjab alone. Gosal’s arrest marks a notable move against Khalistani groups operating abroad and is being seen as a signal of Ottawa’s intent to act on concerns raised by New Delhi over extremist activities targeting India. 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, including working closely to combat terrorism and transnational crimes, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the meeting. The talks focused on repairing the bilateral relations that came under severe strain following a diplomatic spat over the killing of a Sikh terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In October last year, India recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats 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.