Ottawa, Canada – In a significant diplomatic rift, Canada announced on Monday the expulsion of six Indian diplomats, citing a "targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India." This decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two nations, which have been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations last September regarding India’s possible involvement in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The expulsions were confirmed in a press release by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, who emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of Canadian citizens.
"The decision to expel these individuals was made with great consideration and only after the RCMP gathered ample, clear, and concrete evidence linking them to the Nijjar case," she stated. Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023, sparking a complex investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). According to Global Affairs Canada, the expelled diplomats were implicated in activities that jeopardized Canadian public safety.
The statement highlighted that the RCMP had established connections between the investigation into Nijjar's murder and agents affiliated with the Indian government. It reiterated the request for India to waive diplomatic immunities to facilitate further inquiries, which India declined, leading to the expulsion. In retaliation, India withdrew its high commissioner and other diplomats from Canada, strongly refuting Ottawa’s accusations. An unnamed Indian government official described Canada's claims as "absurd" and emphasized that the Canadian government had presented its evidence just prior to the expulsion announcement.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme addressed concerns over growing violence and public safety threats, linking them to "agents" of the Indian government. He revealed that since Nijjar's murder, numerous individuals of Indian descent had received warnings about credible threats against them. The Canadian government has maintained that its primary interest lies in the safety and sovereignty of its citizens, noting the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Canada and India, which spans over 75 years. Despite the current tensions, Canada has expressed a commitment to continued dialogue through its High Commission in Delhi. The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate this unprecedented diplomatic crisis, with ongoing investigations and claims likely to keep relations strained in the foreseeable future.
