Following the release of Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Khalistani separatist, on bail in Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the proscribed SFJ, issued a direct threat. In a video, Pannun targeted India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, daring him to come to Canada, the United States, or a European country to attempt an arrest or extradition. Gosal, also appearing in the video, voiced his support for Pannun and announced the intention to organize the Khalistan referendum on November 23, 2025, using the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan.” Gosal was released from the Ontario Central East Correctional Centre shortly after. Gosal had previously been arrested on firearms charges in Canada. He is associated with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist killed in British Columbia in June 2023, an event that led to diplomatic tensions. Pannun, who heads the SFJ, was designated a “individual terrorist” by the Indian government in July 2020. These events unfold as the Canadian government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, seeks to stabilize its relationship with India. Discussions between National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi reflect efforts to ease existing strains.
