India-Canada Diplomatic Row Explained In 10 Points
The diplomatic crisis between India and Canada has deepened, with both nations expelling diplomats amid accusations linked to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada alleges India’s involvement in Nijjar’s death, a claim New Delhi dismisses as politically motivated. India has accused Canada of supporting extremism and has recalled its diplomats citing security concerns. The ongoing tensions come as both countries have engaged in tit-for-tat expulsions, marking a significant escalation in relations already strained over political interference and separatist movements.
India-Canada Diplomatic Row Explained In 10 Points
1. India expelled six Canadian diplomats, giving them until 19 October to leave, including Stewart Wheeler, Canada’s acting High Commissioner.
2. Canada responded by expelling six Indian diplomats, alleging their involvement in a campaign of harassment against Sikh separatists in Canada.
3. India dismissed Canada’s claims of investigating its diplomats as “persons of interest” in Nijjar’s murder as baseless and politically driven.
4. New Delhi stated it has lost faith in Canada’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian diplomats, leading to the withdrawal of Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner.
5. India accused Prime Minister Trudeau’s government of supporting extremists and pursuing a separatist agenda for political gains.
6. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a wanted pro-Khalistan activist in India, was shot dead in British Columbia in June 2023. Canada claims Indian agents were involved.
7. Canada’s intelligence services identified India as a key foreign interference threat, which India has dismissed as politically motivated and defamatory.
8. The Indian government warned that it reserves the right to take further steps if Canada continues to target its diplomats and support separatism.
9. Relations between the two countries have been strained since 2018, with India accusing Trudeau of interfering in its domestic politics.
10. The escalating diplomatic row comes as Canada faces scrutiny over foreign interference, and India strengthens its ties with global powers like the US and EU.
