Canada Expels Six Indian Diplomats, Escalating Diplomatic Row Over Sikh Leader’s Murder

Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the High Commissioner, on Monday, accusing them of involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and broader efforts to target Indian dissidents in Canada. The move marks a significant escalation in the already strained relations between the two Commonwealth nations.

Indian authorities quickly retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the Acting High Commissioner, and withdrew their own envoy from Canada. This diplomatic tit-for-tat has led to a major deterioration of ties, which have been under strain since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed last year to have evidence linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s assassination.

At a press conference, Trudeau reiterated the seriousness of the situation, saying the Canadian government now has “clear and compelling evidence” that Indian agents have been involved in activities threatening public safety in Canada. These activities include information gathering, coercion, and over a dozen incidents of threats and violence, including the Nijjar murder.

“This is unacceptable,” Trudeau stated, accusing India of making a “fundamental error” by engaging in criminal activities on Canadian soil.

India, however, has consistently denied Trudeau’s accusations, with Indian officials dismissing Canada’s latest inquiry and accusing the Canadian prime minister of pursuing a “political agenda.”

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) earlier stated that India had carried out a broad campaign targeting Indian dissidents in Canada, which included homicides, extortion, and involvement in organized crime. RCMP officials also claimed that India interfered in Canada’s democratic processes.

In its statement, the Canadian foreign ministry said the decision to expel the Indian diplomats was made based on substantial evidence gathered by the RCMP, which identified them as persons of interest in the Nijjar case.

India’s foreign ministry responded by announcing the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats by Saturday and summoning Canada’s top diplomat in India, Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler. India further stated it was withdrawing its diplomats from Canada due to concerns about their safety, citing a lack of confidence in the Canadian government’s ability to ensure their security.

The diplomatic row underscores the deepening divide between Canada and India, two countries with a significant South Asian diaspora. The ongoing tensions could have broader implications for their political, economic, and security relations.