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The ongoing diplomatic dispute between New Delhi and Ottawa intensified on Tuesday in the wake of the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In a retaliatory move, India expelled a Canadian diplomat, sparking international attention and concern over the situation.
Relations between the two nations hit a new low when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June.
India had designated Nijjar as a “terrorist” in July 2020 due to his support for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland.
India’s foreign ministry summoned the Canadian high commissioner in New Delhi and informed them of the expulsion decision. The ministry stated, “The decision reflects the government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities. The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days.”
Trudeau had shared information regarding India’s alleged involvement with key allies, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and US President Joe Biden.
In a surprising move, Canada also expelled India’s top intelligence agent in the country, Pavan Kumar Rai, who operated from the Indian High Commission.
Trudeau, addressing the Canadian House of Commons, stated that Canada was actively investigating credible allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder. He had raised the issue with Modi during the recent G20 summit in New Delhi and called for cooperation in resolving the matter.
In response, Modi expressed his strong concern over recent Sikh demonstrations in Canada advocating for an independent Khalistan.
Canada is home to the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab, India, with approximately 770,000 individuals reporting Sikhism as their religion in the 2021 census.
India vehemently rejected the allegations of involvement in any violence, dismissing them as absurd and motivated. The Indian foreign ministry emphasized that similar accusations made by Trudeau to Prime Minister Modi were previously rejected. They urged Canada to take legal action against anti-India elements operating within its borders and claimed that such allegations diverted attention from Khalistani terrorists and extremists sheltered in Canada.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia expressed their concerns about the situation. The White House National Security Council spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, stressed the need for Canada’s investigation to proceed and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The UK government spokesperson indicated close collaboration with Canadian authorities on the ongoing investigation. Australia also conveyed “deep concern” about the developments and emphasized their engagement with partners on the matter.
