In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Canada has expelled six top Indian diplomats, accusing them of being involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil. The diplomatic expulsions are linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent advocate for the creation of Khalistan, an independent Sikh state. Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, confirmed that his government had gathered compelling evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination, a move that has severely strained relations between the two nations.
On the same day, India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats and recalling its own high commissioner from Canada. India has strongly denied the allegations and accused the Canadian government of acting with a political agenda. This exchange of diplomatic blows has thrown the relations between the two Commonwealth nations into turmoil, leaving little room for reconciliation in the near future.
Allegations and Repercussions
Prime Minister Trudeau’s government has been vocal in its claims that India’s agents have been conducting covert operations against Indian dissidents on Canadian soil. At a press conference on Monday, Trudeau disclosed that his government had solid proof of Indian involvement in several threatening incidents, including the assassination of Nijjar. According to Trudeau, these operations involved clandestine surveillance, intimidation, and even violence targeting Canadian citizens of Indian descent.
Trudeau stated, “It is unacceptable for any foreign government to interfere in the safety and security of Canadian citizens, especially through violent means. The Government of India has overstepped its bounds by engaging in these criminal acts within our borders.”
India, however, categorically rejected the accusations, branding them as politically motivated. A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concerns over the safety of its diplomats in Canada, stating that the country had lost confidence in the Canadian government’s ability to protect them. India also ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, giving them until the end of the week to leave.
“We have serious concerns about the safety and security of our diplomatic personnel in Canada,” the statement read. “As a result, we have decided to withdraw our High Commissioner and other officials.”
Mounting Evidence of Indian Involvement
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revealed more details about India’s alleged involvement in targeted operations against dissidents in Canada. According to Brigitte Gauvin, Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP, Indian agents had employed organized criminal elements, particularly the Bishnoi group, to carry out acts of violence and intimidation against South Asian Canadians. The Bishnoi group, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, is a well-known organized crime syndicate in India. Gauvin explained that the group had been used by Indian agents to target individuals involved in the Khalistan movement.
“The use of organized crime elements such as the Bishnoi group demonstrates the lengths to which foreign governments will go to achieve their objectives,” Gauvin remarked. “We have seen a pattern of targeted violence and threats against those who speak out against the Indian government.”
Lawrence Bishnoi, the leader of this group, is currently imprisoned in India on charges related to terrorism. His lawyer, Rajani, has stated that the case is still under investigation and that no final charges have been filed against Bishnoi regarding his alleged involvement in the Nijjar assassination.
Canada’s Diplomatic Stance
In response to these findings, Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, confirmed that Canada had requested India to waive the diplomatic immunity of the six diplomats identified in connection with the assassination plot. When India refused to cooperate, Canada had no choice but to expel the diplomats.
“We are not looking for a confrontation,” Joly said during a press briefing. “However, we will not allow foreign agents to engage in acts of intimidation or violence on Canadian soil. This is a matter of national security, and we will act decisively to protect our citizens.”
Canada’s decision to expel the diplomats has already had far-reaching consequences for the bilateral relationship. The situation escalated in October 2023 when Canada withdrew over 40 diplomats from India after New Delhi demanded a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic staff.
A Diplomatic Crisis Unfolds
The diplomatic rift between Canada and India represents one of the most significant breakdowns in relations between the two nations in recent history. Experts believe that the current standoff is unlikely to be resolved quickly. According to Fen Osler Hampson, a professor of international relations at Carleton University in Ottawa, this crisis has moved far beyond a simple diplomatic dispute.
Hampson noted, “This represents a total breakdown in relations.” “It is difficult to see how Canada and India can return to normalcy in the foreseeable future.”
Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India, and tensions have been rising in recent years over the Khalistan movement. Many Sikh Canadians support the creation of an independent Sikh state in Punjab, a position that has caused friction between the Canadian and Indian governments. Protests in support of Khalistan have been a source of ongoing tension, with India viewing these activities as a direct threat to its territorial integrity.
International Implications
The diplomatic row between Canada and India also has international implications. The United States has previously accused Indian agents of being involved in an assassination attempt on another Sikh separatist leader in New York. U.S. officials claim that Indian nationals were working under the orders of Indian government officials to target individuals linked to the Khalistan movement.
As the standoff continues, the United States is closely monitoring the situation. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that a meeting between Indian and U.S. officials is scheduled for later this week to discuss Indian involvement in the foiled assassination plot.
For now, both Canada and India appear to be standing firm, with no signs of compromise on the horizon. As both countries continue to expel diplomats and trade accusations, it remains unclear how—or if—their relationship can recover from this deepening crisis.