Diplomatic Tensions Escalate: Canada Expels Indian Diplomats Amidst Allegations of Assassination Plots
Canada Expels Indian Diplomats
Canada, under pressure from mounting diplomatic tensions, has expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, on Monday, citing evidence linking them to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada and a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in the country.
India Retaliates
In response, India has ordered the expulsion of six high-ranking Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner, and has withdrawn its envoy from Canada, contradicting Canada’s statement of expulsion. This marks a significant deterioration in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed he had evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian territory last year.
Toronto: A Hotbed of Tensions
The diplomatic row is a major rupture in the relationship between the two Commonwealth countries, with ties already frayed due to Canada’s concerns over India’s activities in the country. Canada has long accused India of engaging in clandestine information gathering techniques, coercive behavior, and involvement in over a dozen threatening and violent acts, including murder.
India Denies Accusations
India has consistently denied these allegations, dismissing Canada’s claims as a "political agenda." In response to the expulsion of the Canadian diplomats, India has accused Trudeau of pursuing a "clear political agenda" and has summoned Acting High Commissioner in India Stewart Wheeler to withdraw the Canadian envoy from Canada.
Escalating Tensions
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated that the country is not seeking a diplomatic confrontation with India but will not "sit quietly as agents of any country are linked to efforts to threaten, harass, or even kill Canadians." The withdrawal of over 40 diplomats from India in October 2023 has also compounded the situation, with Fen Osler Hampson, a professor of international relations at Ottawa’s Carleton University, describing the rift as a "major rupture in the relationship with India."
Global Implications
The diplomatic row has far-reaching implications, particularly in the context of Canada’s bid to counter China’s rising global influence. With India’s rapid economic growth, the two countries have been vying for influence in the international arena. The allegations of assassination plots against Sikh separatist leaders in Canada and the U.S. have put a strain on their relationship, testing their ability to forge deeper ties to counter China’s growing influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What sparked the diplomatic row between Canada and India?
- The row was sparked by Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada and a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in the country.
- What was India’s response to the Canadian allegations?
- India denied the allegations, describing them as a "political agenda" and summoning Acting High Commissioner in India Stewart Wheeler to withdraw the Canadian envoy from Canada.
- What measures has Canada taken to address the situation?
- Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, and requested India to remove the diplomatic immunity of six other diplomats to question them regarding the allegations of criminal activity.
- What are the implications for global relations?
- The diplomatic row has significant implications for global relations, particularly in the context of Canada’s bid to counter China’s rising global influence. The allegations of assassination plots against Sikh separatist leaders in Canada and the U.S. have tested their ability to forge deeper ties with India.