New Delhi: Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, following allegations that Indian government agents were linked to homicides, harassment, and other acts of violence against Sikh separatists in the country, CCN World reported.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that the decision was based on clear evidence gathered by Canadian police in connection to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader, last year. This move has heightened diplomatic tensions, with India swiftly retaliating by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner.
The strained relations between Canada and India date back to September 2023, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of being involved in Nijjar’s assassination on Canadian soil. Trudeau condemned India’s actions, stating that engaging in violent activities, including murder and extortion, on Canadian soil is unacceptable for any democracy.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed details of ongoing investigations into Indian government agents’ involvement in serious criminal activities, citing a growing threat to public safety. Since last year, over a dozen credible threats to members of the pro-Khalistan movement have been identified. The RCMP revealed that Indian diplomats had used their official positions to collect information about Canadian citizens, which was then passed to criminal organizations responsible for acts of extortion and murder.
India has denied the allegations, calling them “preposterous” and accusing Canada of trying to smear its reputation for political gain. The Indian government has dismissed the accusations of involvement in Nijjar’s murder and other violent activities in Canada, asserting that there is no evidence to support the claims.
Nijjar was killed outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. The Indian government has long opposed the Khalistan movement, which is outlawed in India but receives support from some members of the Sikh diaspora. The RCMP continues to investigate the Nijjar case, seeking cooperation from India to fully uncover the details behind the assassination.
