The diplomatic row between India and Canada continues to escalate, with Canada issuing a stern warning to its remaining Indian diplomats. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly made it clear that the diplomats are “clearly on notice” and could face expulsion if they are found to be jeopardizing Canadian lives. This statement comes after India’s high commissioner and five other diplomats were expelled from Canada on Monday over the assassination of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Joly’s warning took a dramatic turn when she compared India’s actions to Russia, stating that Canada’s national police force has linked Indian diplomats to homicides, death threats, and intimidation within the country. She emphasized that Canada will not tolerate foreign diplomats putting its citizens at risk, drawing a parallel to Russia’s alleged interference in other European nations.
The diplomatic tensions stem from accusations made earlier this week by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, alleging that Indian diplomats were targeting pro-Khalistani activists in Canada by sharing information about them with their government back home. This information, the Canadian government claims, was then passed on to Indian criminal groups who carried out attacks on these activists, including drive-by shootings, extortions, and even murder.
India has vehemently rejected these allegations, calling them absurd. In retaliation, the Indian foreign ministry expelled Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats. Amidst this escalating diplomatic crisis, the US has charged Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav in connection with the assassination plot against another separatist leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The assassination of Nijjar, a prominent figure in the Sikhs For Justice group, has been a central point of contention between India and Canada. New Delhi has repeatedly condemned Canada’s perceived leniency towards supporters of the Khalistan movement, which is banned in India. The 45-year-old Nijjar, an Indian-born Canadian citizen, was shot and killed in his pickup truck in British Columbia last year.
The escalating diplomatic row between India and Canada is a significant development with far-reaching implications. The accusations, expulsions, and the US charges highlight the deep-seated tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement and the ongoing dispute over the role of foreign diplomats in domestic affairs. This situation is likely to continue to dominate headlines and shape relations between the two countries in the coming months.