Canada and India have engaged in a diplomatic spat stemming from the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist, resulting in the expulsion of six diplomats from each country. This tit-for-tat escalation began after police in Canada uncovered evidence of violent criminal activities linked to the Indian government in relation to the assassination.
The senior Canadian government official announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, as a response to the alleged Indian government involvement in the criminal activity. Shortly after, the Indian foreign ministry reciprocated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner and the deputy high commissioner, with a directive to leave India by the end of the week.
Tensions further intensified as India rejected Canada’s communication accusing the Indian ambassador of being a “person of interest” in the assassination. This exchange of expulsions follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of credible allegations linking the Indian government to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
Nijjar, a prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement advocating for Sikh independence, was fatally shot in Canada. He was designated as a terrorist by India, which had been seeking his arrest for his alleged involvement in an attack on a Hindu priest. The pro-Khalistan movement has been a contentious issue between India and Canada, with India criticising Canada for its perceived leniency towards Khalistan movement supporters residing in the country.
The Indian foreign ministry expressed its reservations regarding Canada’s stance on extremism, violence, and separatism against India, reserving the right to take further actions. In response, Canada emphasised the importance of investigating allegations of Indian government involvement in the assassination and offered cooperation with India in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced that an Indian enquiry committee investigating a plot to assassinate another Sikh separatist leader in New York would be travelling to Washington for discussions. This development follows last year’s revelations that an Indian government official allegedly orchestrated the assassination plot and charges were brought against an individual involved in the conspiracy.
As the diplomatic rift between Canada and India deepens over the handling of the 2023 assassination and wider separatist movements, the two nations are navigating complex geopolitical dynamics with significant implications for bilateral relations.
—
This revised version of the article highlights the escalating tensions between Canada and India following the 2023 assassination incident. The information is presented in a clear, structured format with distinct paragraphs for different aspects of the story, making it easier for readers to grasp the evolving diplomatic situation between the two countries.