OTTAWA/NEW DELHI (The Thursday Times) — Relations between Canada and India have reached a new low after both countries expelled six diplomats each in a tit-for-tat exchange related to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This diplomatic row has unfolded as tensions simmer over allegations that the Indian government may have been involved in the killing, a claim India firmly denies.
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and its impact
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sparked the current dispute by stating that there were credible allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Nijjar, who was shot in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia. Nijjar, a leader of the pro-Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland, was considered a terrorist by India, which had sought his arrest for his involvement in violent separatist activities. The movement, which has support among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, remains a deeply contentious issue in Indian politics.
Diplomatic expulsions deepen the rift
The situation escalated on Monday when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, after uncovering evidence of violent criminal activities allegedly linked to the Indian government. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner, stating that their actions were a violation of diplomatic norms. India further condemned the accusations as “baseless” and accused Canada of fostering extremism and separatism on its soil by supporting pro-Khalistan factions.
India’s concerns over the Sikh separatist movement abroad
India has long expressed concerns over the activities of Sikh separatists in countries like Canada, the U.K., and Australia, urging these nations to take stronger legal measures against activists involved in anti-India campaigns. The Indian government remains particularly critical of Canada, where Sikhs represent nearly 2% of the population and where the Khalistan movement retains a significant following. Canada’s perceived leniency towards this movement has been a persistent irritant in the bilateral relationship.
Diplomatic fallout
In their latest development, Indian officials called the allegations of Nijjar’s murder being state-sponsored as absurd, and the Indian foreign ministry summoned the top Canadian diplomat to deliver a strong rebuke. India also warned of potential further actions in response to what it described as Canadian support for extremism, violence, and separatism targeting India.
Meanwhile, Stewart Wheeler, the Canadian diplomat who was expelled, claimed his government had shared irrefutable evidence of Indian government ties to Nijjar’s assassination and called on India to cooperate in the investigation. However, India remains sceptical of Canada’s commitment to the security of its diplomats and has expressed little faith in the Canadian government’s ability to maintain order amidst rising tensions.
