New Delhi: In a reciprocal move that appears to mirror recent developments, India has expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, whose identity remains undisclosed, giving them a five-day departure deadline. This action comes following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent accusation implicating India in the June killing of a Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Trudeau asserted that his government possessed “credible allegations” linking Nijjar’s killing to individuals associated with the Indian government. This allegation has significantly heightened tensions between the two nations. During an emergency parliamentary session, Trudeau underscored the unacceptability of any foreign government’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, viewing it as a violation of their sovereignty and in contradiction to the principles upheld by free, open, and democratic societies.
India, in response, summoned Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay, categorically rejecting Trudeau’s claims and expressing deep concern over Canadian political figures openly sympathising with these elements. The Indian government argued that these unsubstantiated allegations divert attention from the presence of Khalistani terrorists and extremists who have taken refuge in Canada, posing an ongoing threat to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Highlighting Canada’s history of accommodating various illegal activities, including murders, human trafficking, and organised crime, the Indian government called on Canada to take immediate action against all “anti-India elements” operating within its borders.
Canada, in its response, chose not to reveal the identity of the expelled Indian diplomat. However, Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie disclosed that the individual held the position of head of India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in Canada.
At the centre of this dispute is Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who led the Khalistani Tiger Force and the Canadian branch of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Nijjar was fatally shot near a gurdwara in Surrey in June. Originally from Punjab’s Jalandhar, Nijjar had relocated to Canada in 1997 and was wanted in India for allegedly masterminding the activities of the Khalistani Tiger Force, which is designated as a terror group.
India had previously announced a cash reward for Nijjar’s apprehension in connection with the murder of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar and his alleged involvement in the 2007 cinema bombing in Punjab. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was also investigating recent attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, the UK, and the US.
Canada has become a significant hub for expatriate Sikhs, where concerns have arisen over the growth of extremism in recent years. Over the past few months, Canada has witnessed various Khalistani activities, including protests outside the Indian Embassy and the display of threatening posters targeting Indian diplomats.
As a result of the escalating diplomatic tensions, Canada has decided to postpone a scheduled trade mission to India, originally planned for October. This decision came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns at the G20 summit in Delhi regarding the rise of secessionist activities and attacks on Indian diplomatic missions by Khalistan supporters in Canada.
