New Delhi - Tensions between India and Canada have escalated significantly, with both countries expelling senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat exchange. This diplomatic standoff was triggered by Canada's accusations that the Indian government may have been involved in the assassination of a prominent Sikh activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. These allegations have cast a dark shadow over their bilateral relations.
Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, publicly stated that his government was investigating "credible allegations" connecting India to the June killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. According to Trudeau, Canadian security agencies had been actively pursuing leads suggesting potential links between agents of the Indian government and Nijjar's murder. Trudeau emphasized his commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable for this crime.
In response, Canada expelled an Indian diplomat, described by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly as the head of the Indian intelligence agency in the country. This move underscored Canada's seriousness in pursuing the matter. Trudeau also raised the issue with key international leaders, including US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
India reciprocated by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat stationed in India, giving the diplomat five days to leave the country. India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing its growing concern about Canadian diplomats' interference in India's internal affairs and their involvement in activities deemed anti-India.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination was a deeply troubling incident that shocked and outraged the Sikh community in Canada, one of the largest Sikh communities outside of India. Following Trudeau's accusations, two influential Sikh community groups in Canada, the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council (BCGC) and Ontario Gurdwaras Committee (OGC), urged the Canadian government to suspend cooperation with India in intelligence, investigation, and prosecution matters. They demanded that Canada's response align with the gravity of India's alleged involvement in the premeditated murder of a Sikh dissident residing in Canada.
Nijjar was known for his support of the Khalistan movement, advocating for the creation of a separate Sikh homeland. This movement is considered a national security threat by the Indian government, and several groups associated with it are classified as "terrorist organizations" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
India firmly rejected Trudeau's allegations, deeming them "absurd and motivated." The Indian government emphasized its commitment to the rule of law and accused Canada of harboring Khalistani terrorists and extremists, thus posing a threat to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India also expressed long-standing concerns about Canada's inaction in addressing these issues.
The international community has been closely watching this diplomatic dispute, with the White House expressing deep concern about the allegations. They stressed the importance of Canada's investigation proceeding and the perpetrators being brought to justice.
As of now, Canadian authorities have not made any arrests in connection with Nijjar's murder. However, they have released statements indicating that they are investigating three suspects and have issued descriptions of a possible getaway vehicle, seeking assistance from the public.
Australia has also expressed deep concern about these allegations, particularly because they resonate with some Australian communities. They emphasized the value of the Indian diaspora as contributors to a multicultural society where all residents can express their views safely and peacefully.
In summary, the India-Canada diplomatic row over the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has strained their relations and garnered international attention. The exchange of expelled diplomats reflects the seriousness of this dispute, which has left both countries at odds with each other.