India has confirmed its intention to pursue the extradition of Khalistani separatist leader Arsh Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, following his recent arrest in Canada. Dalla, who is the de facto chief of the banned militant group Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was designated as a terrorist by India in 2023 for his involvement in numerous criminal and terrorist activities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated on Thursday that India will take necessary steps to request Dalla’s extradition from Canada. He mentioned that India had earlier sought Dalla’s provisional arrest from Canadian authorities in July 2023, a request which was initially declined. However, with his recent arrest in Canada, India is now reinforcing its call for his extradition or deportation to face charges in India.
Arsh Dalla has been implicated in over 50 criminal cases in India, including murder, extortion, and terrorism-related offenses. He is a key figure in promoting separatist and terrorist activities linked to the Khalistan movement. In 2022, the Indian government issued a Red Corner Notice against him, seeking international assistance for his arrest.
Despite his criminal history in India, Canada had initially declined to arrest Dalla when India requested his provisional detention in 2023. India’s authorities had provided substantial information to the Canadian government, including evidence of Dalla’s involvement in terror financing, links to extremist groups, and financial transactions between Canada and India. Canada’s Department of Justice had sought additional information about Dalla’s activities in late 2023, and India responded with the requested details earlier in 2024.
