India Expels Canadian Diplomat In Retaliation
India and Canada have recently expelled senior diplomats from each other’s countries in a tit-for-tat move following allegations and tensions related to the killing of a Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s killing, which India vehemently denied, leading to diplomatic tensions.
These tensions escalated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns over secessionist activities and Khalistan supporters attacking Indian diplomatic missions in Canada during the G20 summit in Delhi. Canada subsequently postponed a planned trade mission to India.
Trudeau stated that any foreign government’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of sovereignty. India rejected these allegations and criticized Canada for providing shelter to Khalistani terrorists and extremists. India urged Canada to take action against “anti-India elements” operating from its territory.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was associated with the Khalistani Tiger Force and Sikhs For Justice, was shot dead in Surrey, Canada. He was wanted in India for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities. The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also investigating recent attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in various countries.
Canada has been a hub for expat Sikhs, and there have been growing concerns about extremism within this community, including protests and threats directed at Indian diplomats in Canada.