On October 14, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made serious allegations against India, claiming that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of a Sikh leader. He announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner designated as a suspect in last year’s murder case of a Sikh activist in British Columbia. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including two senior officials in New Delhi, and recalled its high commissioner, bringing the two nations to the brink of a diplomatic crisis.
Last year, Trudeau accused Indian agents of being behind the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and stated that he had evidence to support his claims. On the 14th, Trudeau emphasized that the Canadian government had “clear and credible evidence” indicating that agents of the Indian government were conducting activities that posed a significant threat to Canada’s public safety. These activities purportedly included gathering confidential information, intimidation against South Asian Canadians, and involvement in various threats and violent acts, including murder and extortion.
Sources within the Canadian government revealed that Canada requested India to waive diplomatic immunity for the officials involved in the case to bring charges, but India refused. Following this, Canada issued a diplomatic note announcing the expulsion of the Indian officials.
India has denied Trudeau’s allegations, accusing him of politicizing the issue. The Indian government announced the recall of High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and other diplomats whom they claimed were targeted, stating that Canada had not shared “any evidence” and accusing Trudeau’s government of deliberately tarnishing India’s image for political gain.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs subsequently announced the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner to India, Wheeler.
According to a report by The New York Times, during a recent East Asia Summit in Laos, Trudeau had a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he discussed the investigation. Trudeau stated, “I made it clear to Modi that he needs to take this matter seriously.” However, despite their discussions, no resolution was reached to address the escalating tensions between the two countries.
Canada is home to the largest Sikh community outside India. Sikhs primarily reside in Punjab, India’s northwestern state, where the Indian government claims that some Canadian Sikhs are actively involved in a separatist movement aimed at creating an independent Sikh nation called Khalistan.
