The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada reached a new level of severity late Monday night, as India took decisive retaliatory actions in response to Canada’s ongoing accusations concerning the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Hours after Canada designated India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and several other Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in its investigation into Nijjar's killing, India recalled its High Commissioner along with other targeted diplomats from Ottawa, citing a deteriorating security environment. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underscored that the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada had been jeopardized by the actions of the Trudeau administration, which it accused of failing to curb extremist elements within its borders.
In a more dramatic escalation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, and First Secretaries Marie Catherine Joly, Ian Ross David Trites, Adam James Chuipka, and Paula Orjuela. These diplomats were ordered to leave Indian soil by October 19. The MEA summoned Wheeler to communicate that India found Canada’s targeting of Indian diplomats unacceptable and reiterated that New Delhi reserved the right to take additional measures if necessary. The Indian government expressed grave concern over what it sees as Canadian support for extremism, violence, and separatist forces hostile to India’s national security interests.
India's strong response follows a series of diplomatic confrontations that began last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused Indian government agents of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known proponent of the Khalistani separatist movement, on Canadian soil. Despite Trudeau’s claim that Canada had irrefutable evidence linking Indian agents to the killing, India has consistently denied any involvement, calling the allegations politically motivated and “absurd.”
In its latest statement, India criticized the Trudeau government for engaging in "vote bank politics" by pandering to extremist factions within the Sikh diaspora in Canada. The MEA noted that despite India’s repeated requests, no concrete evidence had been shared by the Canadian government to substantiate its claims. India further accused Canada of not taking adequate measures to address the growing influence of separatist groups on its soil, particularly those advocating for the creation of an independent Khalistan, a movement that India considers a serious threat to its territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Stewart Wheeler, after he met with Indian officials, emphasized the seriousness of Canada's allegations, claiming that the evidence provided was credible and urged India to conduct a thorough investigation. He added that it was in the mutual interest of both nations to resolve the issue and that Canada remained open to cooperation. However, the Indian government’s decision to recall its diplomats and expel Canadian representatives indicates a deepening distrust and frustration with the Trudeau government’s approach.
Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have been deteriorating since Trudeau’s initial allegations in September 2023, with both sides exchanging sharp rhetoric and accusing the other of political motivations. India has long been critical of Canada’s perceived leniency towards Khalistani supporters and separatist activities. This latest standoff marks a significant low in the countries' relationship, casting a shadow over future cooperation and diplomatic engagements. The developments not only highlight the geopolitical tensions at play but also reflect the increasingly complex dynamics surrounding the Khalistani separatist movement and its influence within Canada.
