Tensions between India and Canada have escalated as both nations expelled senior diplomats in response to serious allegations made by the Canadian government. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration accused Indian agents of being involved in “homicides, extortion, and violent acts” on Canadian soil. These activities allegedly targeted supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement, a Sikh separatist campaign calling for a separate homeland in India.
The diplomatic spat follows the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia, Canada. While India has denied any involvement, Canadian officials suggested that a dozen Indian agents may have played a role in violent actions against Khalistan supporters. However, they have not confirmed if these agents were directly linked to Nijjar’s murder.
Trudeau previously addressed the Canadian Parliament in September 2023, asserting that Canada had credible intelligence linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s assassination, calling it a breach of Canada’s sovereignty. India, in response, dismissed the accusations as “preposterous” and has maintained that no solid evidence has been provided to back the claims.
In retaliation, both countries have taken the drastic step of expelling diplomats. Canada’s acting High Commissioner to India, Stewart Ross Wheeler, and several other diplomats were asked to leave India by October 19, 2024. India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with other targeted Indian diplomats, have also been recalled.
India’s foreign ministry, in a sharp statement, accused the Canadian government of being influenced by Sikh separatist campaigners and said it no longer had faith in Canada’s ability to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also revealed that there had been over a dozen credible threats to life, specifically targeting members of the pro-Khalistan movement, prompting the unusual public disclosure of their investigation. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme underscored the severity of the threats, stating that they warranted immediate public attention and justified their confrontation with the Indian government.
While diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained for months, there was a brief moment of thawing when India resumed visa services in October 2023. However, the recent expulsion of diplomats and the resurfacing of unresolved tensions have cast a shadow over future cooperation.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly described the current relations between the two countries as “tense” and warned of the continued threat of similar incidents like the murder of Nijjar. As both governments dig in their heels, the future of India-Canada relations remains uncertain.
This developing situation continues to evolve, leaving both nations and their citizens watching closely as diplomatic ties reach an all-time low.