U.K. Intel Shared with Canada in Hardeep Singh Nijjar Case
British intelligence reportedly provided call intercepts to Canada in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, sparking renewed diplomatic sensitivity between India and Canada.
Published on: 09 November 2025 | 08:40 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Introduction :
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case has re-emerged at the center of global diplomatic attention after a Bloomberg Originals documentary claimed that British intelligence intercepted communications that were later shared with Canadian security agencies. The report suggests that the United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), one of the world’s largest electronic surveillance agencies, intercepted discussions allegedly linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader designated as a terrorist by India in 2020 on charges of Khalistani militant extremism.
The revelations have triggered intense debate across international security communities, raising sensitive questions concerning international intelligence cooperation, sovereignty, and political diplomacy. The intelligence was reportedly shared under the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance — a highly confidential network comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The report claims that the shared intelligence referenced discussions about three individuals linked to Khalistani separatist movements: Nijjar, Avtar Singh Khanda, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
According to the documentary, the intelligence files were not transmitted electronically due to their sensitivity. Instead, they were allegedly delivered physically to a select group of high-level Canadian security officials. Access was strictly limited, and the data was reportedly withheld from digital archiving systems to avoid international exposure or cybersecurity risks.
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case has strained relations between New Delhi and Ottawa since June 2023, when Nijjar was killed by unidentified gunmen outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Months later, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly suggested that Canadian intelligence agencies were “actively pursuing credible allegations” of Indian government involvement in the killing. India rejected the claims as “absurd, politically motivated, and unsubstantiated.” The diplomatic fallout resulted in the expulsion of diplomats, suspension of cooperative trade dialogues, and delays in visa processing for citizens of both nations.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts in 2024 and 2025 to restore normalcy, the recent documentary has sparked fresh scrutiny. The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case continues to play a defining role in shaping India-Canada relations and international engagement on the issue of political extremism and diaspora-led separatist movements.
Background Section :
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent figure within the Sikh diaspora in Canada, particularly among those advocating for Khalistan — a proposed independent Sikh homeland. He served in leadership roles at the Surrey-based gurdwara and maintained influence among pro-Khalistan activists. While Nijjar insisted he was a peaceful advocate for Sikh self-determination, Indian security agencies accused him of leading and financing militant cells based outside India.
In 2020, India formally classified Nijjar under the country’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and listed him as a “designated terrorist.” Indian authorities alleged that Nijjar maintained connections with banned extremist groups and was working to recruit individuals into Khalistani separatist operations. Nijjar denied these accusations, asserting that his activism focused on political rights, democratic representation, and cultural identity.
The attack was swift, coordinated, and executed with professional precision, raising questions about the perpetrators’ identity and motivations.
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case quickly escalated beyond a criminal investigation into the realm of geopolitical controversy. Trudeau’s parliamentary announcement alleging possible links between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s killing sparked a diplomatic crisis. India dismissed the claims as politically motivated, while Canada insisted that intelligence assessments warranted further inquiry.
The controversy unfolded against a broader historical context of diaspora-led political activism, particularly within Sikh communities in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The issue touches upon complex themes — including minority rights, homeland politics, counterterrorism, and international diplomacy — making the case deeply sensitive for multiple governments.
Global Intelligence Cooperation and Five Eyes
The Five Eyes alliance is a decades-old intelligence-sharing partnership formed initially during World War II to coordinate military and security surveillance operations. Today, the coalition focuses on cyber defense, counterterrorism, and communications intercepts across transnational networks.
According to the documentary, British intelligence reportedly intercepted calls involving individuals believed to be coordinating or discussing the targeting of pro-Khalistan figures. The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case was among the matters allegedly documented in these call records.
Why the Intelligence Was Shared in Hard Copy Only
- Sensitive to diplomatic fallout
- Risk of cyber interception
- Limited access ensures controlled political handling
This method of information sharing is used only in high-risk cross-government investigations.
Diplomatic Reactions and Strategic Interests
India’s Position
India maintains that:
- The allegations are unverified
- Canada has not shared conclusive evidence
- Sikh extremist networks operate freely in Canada under the protection of political lobbying
Canada’s Position
Canada insists:
- Intelligence data is credible
- The investigation remains ongoing
- Public disclosure is restricted to protect operational integrity
United Kingdom’s Approach
The U.K. has not confirmed nor denied the reported intelligence exchange, citing national security confidentiality norms.
Impact on India-Canada Relations
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case led to:
- Suspension of trade negotiations
- Withdrawal of diplomats
- Temporary halts in visa processing
- Public protests by diaspora groups
- Political debates within both nations’ parliaments
However, diplomatic relations have slowly moved toward stabilization following new governmental transitions and bilateral discussions in mid-2025.
Conclusion
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar case will likely remain central to India-Canada geopolitical dynamics for years to come. Although diplomatic relationships are gradually normalizing, the re-emergence of international intelligence data has reinvigorated debates about sovereignty, diaspora activism, and the responsibility of states in managing extremism.
The focus now shifts to whether Canada will release additional evidence and whether India and Canada can cooperate to prevent further escalation. International diplomatic frameworks may need to evolve to handle conflicts involving transnational political identity movements and globalized activism networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Sikh community leader in Canada associated with the Khalistan movement. India designated him a terrorist under anti-terror laws, while he denied all militant accusations and described his activities as peaceful advocacy.
2. What is the Five Eyes intelligence alliance?
Five Eyes is a major intelligence-sharing coalition consisting of the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It coordinates surveillance, counterterrorism, and encryption monitoring operations across global networks.
3. What triggered the India-Canada diplomatic dispute?
The dispute intensified after Canada suggested Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India rejected the claim, calling it politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.
4. Did the U.K. confirm its intelligence role in the case?
No. The U.K. government has not officially confirmed sharing intelligence linked to the Nijjar case, citing national security protocols and classification restrictions.
5. Have India and Canada restored normal relations?
Tensions have eased but not fully resolved. Diplomatic interactions, trade talks, and consular services are gradually improving, but trust rebuilding remains ongoing.
