India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 08 May 2026 formally repeated its demand that Canada prosecute individuals on a watch-list of more than 26 names shared with Canadian agencies since 2023, calling for concrete action against Khalistan-aligned networks operating from Canadian soil.
We have consistently urged the Canadian government to take action against anti-India extremist elements operating from its soil. That position has not changed.
MEA Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs · MEA Press Briefing · 08 May 2026
The demand, made at the MEA’s weekly press briefing, covers three areas: prosecution of named individuals, dismantling of fundraising networks linked to Khalistan-aligned groups, and protection of Indian consular premises in Brampton, Surrey, and Toronto — all cities where protests targeted Indian diplomatic offices over the past 32 months.
Nijjar case: four charged, watch-list untouched
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed its investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia remains open. Four Indian nationals were arrested and charged in May 2024 with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Nijjar’s killing. No individual from India’s separate 26-name watch-list has been charged.
India-Canada ties fractured in September 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s death — a claim New Delhi rejected as “absurd”. In October 2023, India demanded Canada reduce its diplomatic presence by 41, leading Canada to recall 41 of its diplomats. India later expelled six Canadian diplomats in October 2024, marking the sharpest bilateral rupture in decades.
Carney government and CEPA restart
Mark Carney, who became Canada’s Prime Minister in March 2025, has signalled willingness to reset ties with India. A key incentive is the Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Negotiations, suspended since September 2023, have resumed as of May 2026. Bilateral trade stood at CAD 10.4 billion in 2024-25, with India ranking as Canada’s 10th-largest trading partner.
ℹ️ Key context
- Canada hosts an estimated 1.35 million to 1.86 million Indian-origin citizens as of the 2021 Census.
- CEPA negotiations, suspended since September 2023, have resumed as of May 2026.
- Four Indian nationals face first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in the Nijjar case; trial proceedings are ongoing.
- India’s watch-list demands were cited in Parliament’s winter session records and confirmed by MEA in prior briefings.
What comes next
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to attend a multilateral summit in the third week of May 2026, where a bilateral meeting with Canadian counterparts is under discussion. A full diplomatic review between both foreign ministries is expected before 30 June 2026, contingent on Canada submitting a formal written response to India’s extradition and prosecution requests.
FAQ
What does MEA mean by anti-India extremist elements?
Has Canada acted on India's list of 26 names?
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