India has decided to withdraw its envoy to Canada following the investigation of him and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the killing of Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in 2023. The murder strained diplomatic relations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned “credible allegations” of Indian intelligence involvement. This move escalates tensions between the two nations.
The withdrawal was in response to Canada labeling Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the ongoing investigation. India’s foreign ministry denounced the accusations as “ludicrous” and withdrew its high commissioner and targeted officials.
Nijjar, an advocate for a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, was murdered in Vancouver in June 2023. India denies any connection to the killing, calling the allegations “preposterous.” Last year, India briefly restricted visas for Canadians and withdrew diplomats, hinting at potential further actions.
Canada, home to a large Sikh population, expressed willingness to cooperate with India to investigate the allegations. The US Justice Department also charged an Indian citizen for plotting a similar assassination attempt in the Czech Republic. This development underscores the complex web of international relations and controversies surrounding the case.
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