India and Canada have recently expelled each other’s ambassadors amid rising tensions following the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Indian government announced the expulsion of six diplomats from Canada, including Ottawa’s acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler.
An Ottawa government source confirmed that the diplomats had been expelled rather than withdrawn.
The escalating diplomatic row stems from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who cited credible links between Indian intelligence services and Nijjar’s murder.
Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was killed in June 2023 outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver.
He had been a vocal advocate for a separate Sikh state known as Khalistan and was wanted by Indian authorities on charges of terrorism.
The incident has severely impacted diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In response to India’s actions, Canada announced similar measures, expelling Indian diplomats as well.
Canadian police indicated they had evidence of the Indian government’s involvement in serious criminal activities on Canadian soil.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the allegations, labeling them as “preposterous” and accusing Canada of using the situation for political gain.
New Delhi described Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s envoy to Canada, as a respected diplomat and refuted the claims against him.
Following the recent developments, India’s foreign ministry ordered its diplomats to return home, expressing a lack of faith in the Canadian government’s commitment to their safety.
In a statement, the ministry emphasized its right to take further action in light of Canada’s support for separatism.
