India and Canada engaged in a diplomatic spat that resulted in the expulsion of each other’s ambassador and five other top diplomats. The dispute erupted after New Delhi accused Canada of naming their envoy as a “person of interest” in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in 2023. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pointed to “credible allegations” linking Indian intelligence services to the murder, causing a breakdown in relations between the two countries.
Both India and Canada expelled the diplomats involved, escalating the conflict. Canada alleged Indian government involvement in criminal activity on Canadian soil, while India dismissed the claims as “preposterous.” The tensions further intensified as India threatened additional actions, while Canada stood firm on providing evidence to support their accusations.
The diplomatic row highlighted the ongoing struggle within the Sikh community, particularly those advocating for a separate state of Khalistan. The situation worsened as the U.S. Justice Department also charged an Indian citizen for plotting a similar assassination attempt in the United States, allegedly with the involvement of an Indian government official.
As Trudeau faced domestic political challenges, the fallout from the diplomatic crisis underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics at play between India and Canada.
© 2024 AFP