World
Diplomatic Rift Intensifies as India Expels Canadian Diplomat Over Assassination Allegations
Diplomatic tensions escalate between India and Canada as both countries expel diplomats amid allegations concerning the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The incident casts a shadow on bilateral relations, derailing ongoing trade talks.
New Delhi / Ottawa, September 16, 2023 — India has expelled a Canadian diplomat as relations between the two nations sour following accusations surrounding the murder of Canadian citizen and Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This move comes on the heels of Canada’s decision to expel an Indian diplomat over allegations that India played a role in the killing of Nijjar.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a notable supporter of the Khalistani movement, which seeks an independent homeland for Sikhs in India. He was assassinated on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia, just outside a Sikh temple. At the time of his death, he was coordinating an unofficial referendum in India on the issue of an independent Sikh state.
Diplomatic Fallout
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying the expulsion reflects “growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.” The diplomat in question has been instructed to leave India within the next five days.
The row escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the Canadian Parliament that there were “credible allegations” suggesting that the Indian government was involved in Nijjar’s assassination. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly further indicated that the head of Indian intelligence in Canada had been expelled over these claims.
India Denies Involvement
Responding to the Canadian government’s allegations, India categorically dismissed any involvement in the assassination, stating, “We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to the rule of law. Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Trade Talks Derail
The ongoing diplomatic strife has cast a long shadow over bilateral relations, including stalled trade talks and the cancellation of Canada’s planned trade mission to India this autumn. Prime Minister Trudeau noted that he raised the matter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit earlier this month. Trudeau emphasized that any Indian government involvement would be “unacceptable” and requested India’s cooperation in the ongoing investigation into the murder.
G20 Member Countries in Discord
The diplomatic imbroglio adds another layer of tension between India and Canada, both of whom are members of the G20. It comes amid ongoing concerns over Khalistani activists in Canada and challenges both countries face in improving their bilateral trade relationships.
As both nations grapple with the fallout, international experts worry that unless diplomatically resolved, this incident could have broader implications on Indo-Canadian relations, which have historically been marked by ups and downs.
Sources:
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
- G20 Summit Records
Note: The above article is based on the current information available as of September 19, 2023, and quotes have been cross-verified with official statements from both governments.
