A diplomatic row between India and Canada has reached new heights following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the involvement of the Indian government in the Sikh leader’s assassination of in British Columbia in June. The situation has escalated further, with India expelling a Canadian diplomat, prompting international responses and concerns.
Sikh Leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar designated a “terrorist” by India in July 2020 due to his support for a Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple. The dispute began when Prime Minister Trudeau accused India’s government of playing a role in Nijjar’s murder.
In response to these allegations, India has expelled a Canadian diplomat, describing it as a reflection of growing concern over Canadian diplomats’ interference in India’s internal affairs and their alleged involvement in anti-India activities. The diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days.
Canada has also expelled India’s top intelligence agent, Pavan Kumar Rai, head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), from the Indian High Commission. This expulsion follows Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s assertion that Canada is actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder. Trudeau has briefed his closest allies, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and US President Joe Biden, about the progress in the investigation into Sikh leader’s killing.
This diplomatic dispute has implications beyond the India-Canada relationship, drawing concern from other countries. The White House’s National Security Council expressed deep concerns. It emphasized the need for Canada’s investigation to proceed and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The UK government stated it is in close contact with Canadian authorities regarding the serious allegations and refrained from making further comments during the ongoing investigation. Australia also expressed “deep concern” about the developments, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigations.
In response to the allegations made by Prime Minister Trudeau, the Indian foreign ministry rejected any involvement in violence or allegations of Sikh Leader’s killing. It termed the accusations as absurd and motivated. India urged the Canadian government to take prompt legal action against all anti-India elements operating from Canadian soil and emphasized the focus should remain on addressing Khalistani terrorists and extremists provided shelter in Canada.
This escalating diplomatic tension between India and Canada underscores the complexities of international relations, especially in cases involving diaspora communities, historical conflicts, and allegations of external interference. It remains to be seen how both countries will navigate this delicate situation and whether diplomatic channels can be used to resolve the dispute.