Canada’s Foreign Minister has issued a warning to Indian diplomats remaining in the country, cautioning them against actions that could jeopardize the safety of Canadians. This comes after New Delhi’s top envoy in Canada was implicated as a person of interest in the assassination of a Sikh activist. Following the expulsion of India’s high commissioner and five other diplomats earlier in the week, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stressed the gravity of the situation, likening India’s actions to those of Russia.
Joly stated firmly that Canada will not tolerate foreign diplomats putting Canadian lives at risk, citing instances of transnational repression elsewhere in Europe. She emphasised that the recent expulsions were a clear message and reiterated that any contravention of the Vienna Convention by diplomats would not be tolerated.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have publicly disclosed allegations that Indian diplomats were involved in targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. It is alleged that the information was shared with Indian authorities, who then collaborated with organized crime groups to harm the activists, some of whom are Canadian citizens. India has denied these assertions, stating that they are absurd, and has retaliated by expelling Canadian diplomats.
The United States has also made similar accusations against Indian officials, with the US Justice Department bringing criminal charges against an Indian government employee for an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York City. The tensions between India and Canada have been escalating for over a year, with Canada providing evidence to support its claims, which India has consistently denied.
The issue has strained the relationship between the two countries, with India criticising Canada for its stance on the Khalistan movement. Trudeau highlighted that advocating for separatism, while not Canadian government policy, is not illegal in Canada. The RCMP has uncovered evidence of a concerted effort by Indian government agents against Canadians, further exacerbating the diplomatic impasse.
The assassination of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year has been a focal point in the deteriorating relations between India and Canada. Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, leading to the arrest of four Indian nationals in connection with his murder. The ongoing dispute underscores the complex web of international relations and the challenges faced in upholding diplomatic norms and ensuring the safety of citizens.