Gang wars, hate crimes and political shifts: What’s fueling the surge of violence against Indians in Canada?

Gang wars, hate crimes and political shifts: What’s fueling the surge of violence against Indians in Canada?

Punjabi has become Canada’s third most spoken language, a testament to how deeply the Indian diaspora has shaped the nation’s cultural fabric. But today, that same community finds itself caught in a chilling wave of drive-by shootings, cryptic threats, and targeted killings. Beneath the blood and fear lies a more dangerous undercurrent: a growing nexus of organised crime, ideological extremism, and identity politics stretching across continents.

The recent killing of Indian-origin businessman Arvi Singh Sagoo in Edmonton, after he confronted a man allegedly urinating on his car, has once again exposed the vulnerability of Indian communities in Canada. The attack follows a string of violent incidents, including the murder of businessman Darshan Singh Sahsi in Abbotsford and shootings targeting Punjabi celebrities, underscoring a surge in gang violence and community tensions.

In September 2025, Ottawa officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation. As investigations intensify across British Columbia and Ontario, Moneycontrol spoke with foreign policy expert Robinder Nath Sachdev to understand what is fuelling this wave of violence and how it is reshaping perceptions of Canada’s Indian diaspora.

According to Sachdev, the pattern suggests something deeper than ordinary gang rivalry: a convergence of organised crime, ideology, and diaspora politics that is transforming Canada’s internal security landscape.

“Beyond Lawrence Bishnoi himself, these gangs are not isolated groups,” Sachdev explained. “They operate through layered networks involved in extortion, drug smuggling, and money laundering. There is also some sort of gang war happening within these gangs. What makes it more dangerous is that some of these networks now carry an ideological flavour, mixing crime with Khalistani extremism.”

‘They can reach you anywhere’

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the attack targeting Punjabi singer Channi Nattan and earlier took credit for Darshan Singh Sahsi’s killing.

Sachdev said the brazenness with which these claims are being made is deeply troubling. “Whether the claims are true or false, we still don’t know,” he noted. “But the fact that such things are being spoken about so openly, almost casually, is alarming.

“These gangs and killings seem to be sending a message of violence, that they can reach you wherever you are, that the state machinery or even the Indian government cannot stop them from taking revenge or advancing their so-called business interests,” he added.

He further noted that targeting high-profile individuals appears to be a deliberate strategy, as such attacks attract greater attention and compel security agencies to respond. “If these groups are still going ahead with such high-profile attempts or attacks, it means they are either unafraid or simply foolish, but certainly not afraid,” he said.

What’s fuelling hate against Indians?

Sachdev said that the rise in anti-Indian sentiment among some Canadians reflects a broader global trend of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

“There’s a growing discomfort with immigrants worldwide, and unfortunately, Indians are often caught in that wave,” he explained. “We’re brown, largely non-Christian, and visible minorities, which makes us easy targets in countries where nationalist rhetoric is rising.”

Is the Trump factor pushing Canada toward India?

As tensions grow between US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, their trade relationship has entered another rough patch. On Monday, Trump said he would not meet with Canada “for a while,” even as Carney extended an olive branch to revive stalled trade talks.

The strain stems from Washington’s decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods by 10 percent, on top of existing duties on steel and aluminum, further souring ties between the two neighbours.

Amid this uncertainty, Sachdev believes Ottawa is rethinking its economic strategy. “The Trump scenario has forced Canadians to rethink. A trade deal was almost on the table, and now again, no deal. So naturally, India becomes a logical and viable partner,” he said.

He added that under Carney, Ottawa has shown a more pragmatic, India-friendly approach compared to Justin Trudeau. “Carney views India as a key market in Asia, especially now that opportunities with China have stalled. After all, where else can they turn?”

Carney’s pragmatism vs Trudeau’s constraints

During Justin Trudeau’s tenure, India-Canada relations hit a low point following the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The fallout saw both nations expel envoys and diplomats, deepening the diplomatic rift.

Trudeau said his government acted after police pursued “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. In response to India’s revocation of diplomatic immunity and security for Canadian officials, Ottawa recalled 41 diplomats from New Delhi.

Contrasting Carney’s pragmatism with Trudeau’s approach, Sachdev said, “Trudeau was beholden to his political party and coalition partners who were far more sympathetic and softer toward Khalistani elements.”

He added, “Let’s be realistic, in both parties, the Liberals and the Conservatives, there exists a certain soft corner for Khalistani sentiments. You may recall that when Nijjar was killed, Trudeau made that statement in Parliament, blaming India, and even the opposition leaders offered condolences at Nijjar’s home. I’m not saying they are supporters, but the reality is that there is a structural presence, influential Sikh-Punjabi members within both parties.”