US indictment, Canadian police findings match our stand on gang networks: India

India reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the United States and Canada to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism following the U.S. indictment of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Satinderjeet Singh for the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The external affairs ministry stated this during a media briefing on Tuesday, responding to the recent legal actions taken by American authorities. The joint investigation, known as Operation Hard Ball, involved law enforcement agencies from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals connected to three transnational criminal groups based in India. Operation Hard Ball led to the indictment of Bishnoi and Singh for orchestrating the assassination of Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. The RCMP deputy commissioner, Lisa Moreland, confirmed that the evidence gathered during the operation does not implicate Indian officials or the Indian government in the killing. This contradicts former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September 2023, which claimed a link between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s murder. The Indian government previously dismissed these claims as “absurd” and politically motivated. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India remains dedicated to working with international partners to address transnational organized crime, terrorism, and related threats. He noted that the U.S. indictment aligns with the findings of Operation Hard Ball, which attributed responsibility to the Bishnoi gang. Jaiswal highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Indian and U.S. law enforcement agencies, stating that their partnership has grown stronger over time. The incident sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Trudeau’s accusations led to the expulsion of each other’s diplomats, reductions in consular services, and other retaliatory measures. India accused Canada of harboring pro-Khalistani elements within its borders. In October 2024, India recalled its envoy, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with five other diplomats, after they were identified as “persons of interest” in the investigation. However, the two nations gradually restored communication channels in late 2024, and relations stabilized after the Liberal Party’s Mark Carney won the general election in April 2025. New ambassadors were appointed to both countries, and several mechanisms were revived to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade. The RCMP has stated that Operation Hard Ball revealed the Bishnoi gang’s involvement in activities beyond the Nijjar killing, including extortion, narcotics trafficking, and other illicit operations. The investigation underscored the need for continued vigilance against transnational criminal networks that threaten global stability. The U.S. justice department has also announced further actions against such organizations, reinforcing the shared goal of dismantling these networks. India reiterated its stance that transnational organized crime poses a serious threat to national security and social order. It called for sustained efforts to disrupt these networks through enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement actions. The government expressed confidence in its ability to collaborate with international counterparts to ensure the safety and integrity of its citizens and institutions. As the situation evolves, both India and its allies remain focused on maintaining robust partnerships to tackle emerging challenges in the realm of global crime and security.