The Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, recently voiced frustration about the perceived imbalance in how security and evidence concerns are handled between India and Canada. Patnaik questioned, “Your evidence is enough but our evidence is not enough?”—pointing to a lack of seriousness from Ottawa regarding dossiers and intelligence India has shared about Sikh separatists and transnational criminals operating in Canada. India claims to have provided names and substantial information on at least 25 individuals, but says Canadian action has been minimal.
India’s concerns peaked after allegations from Canada about Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar; these claims have been strongly denied by New Delhi, which maintains there is “no substantial evidence” and that any such actions would never be undertaken. Patnaik also highlighted that the issue of violent extremism and criminal activities linked to Khalistan activists in Canada is fundamentally a Canadian law-and-order problem—stating, “Canada cannot look at this situation as an Indian problem. It’s a Canadian problem. There are Canadians who are creating this problem”.
The High Commissioner further expressed surprise at requiring security protection while serving in Canada, which he described as unusual and concerning for diplomatic relations. India has called for parity and trust-building between the two nations, urging Canada to take action and recognize the legitimacy of security evidence presented by India, rather than applying double standards. Recent diplomatic exchanges, including the expulsion of diplomats and high-level meetings, indicate both countries aim to stabilize and rebuild their security partnership.
Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, has openly questioned what he sees as a double standard in how evidence is evaluated between India and Canada on security matters, particularly relating to Sikh separatist activities and transnational criminal gangs. In a recent interview, Patnaik stated, “Your evidence is enough but our evidence is not enough?” expressing frustration at how India's dossiers and evidence against individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities in Canada are often dismissed, while Canada's evidence is treated with more weight.
Patnaik emphasized that India has provided detailed evidence and lists of individuals involved in activities that New Delhi perceives as criminal or supporting the Khalistan movement, yet there has been little visible action from Ottawa’s side. He criticized the Canadian government for, in his view, failing to act seriously on Indian security concerns and for allowing some Canadian Sikhs to promote issues considered dangerous by India. He also underscored that threats or violence coming from pro-Khalistan groups in Canada are a Canadian domestic challenge and responsibility, arguing, “Canada cannot look at this situation as an Indian problem. It’s a Canadian problem. There are Canadians who are creating this problem”.
The High Commissioner also revealed he has required police protection in Canada because of threats linked to the ongoing controversy, and remarked that he finds it “strange” to need such protection as a diplomat in a country like Canada. He made it clear that India has never taken extraterritorial action against Sikh separatists, and continues to wait for substantial evidence supporting the allegations made against Indian officials.
Amid these tensions, there are ongoing diplomatic engagements seeking to restore trust and security ties between the two countries. Recent months have seen both nations appoint new high commissioners, and a renewed exchange of information between their law enforcement agencies as part of efforts to stabilize relations.
Patnaik’s remarks highlight the deep-seated mistrust and differing priorities that have strained India-Canada security cooperation, even as both sides attempt to move forward.
