After the murder of a Canadian Sikh activist, relations between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly. Now the dispute continues to escalate.
In the ongoing dispute between India and Canada following the murder of a Canadian Sikh activist, the two countries have expelled several diplomats from each other. The government in Ottawa accused India of being involved in a criminal network aimed at intimidating and harassing Sikh followers in Canada and expelled the highest-ranking Indian diplomat in Canada and several others. India rejected the allegations and in return decided to expel six Canadian diplomats. New Delhi also announced that the highest-ranking envoy to Canada would be withdrawn.
India’s Foreign Ministry said it summoned the charge d’affaires of the Canadian Embassy, Stewart Wheeler, and informed him of his expulsion. A statement also said India no longer had confidence that the current Canadian government could ensure the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada. India rejected a statement from Canada that Indian diplomats were considered “persons of interest” in ongoing investigations.
The case surrounding the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 brought bilateral relations to a low point. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of deliberately killing the Canadian with Indian roots. New Delhi denied the allegations. Nijjar was a well-known supporter of an independent state for Sikhs within Indian territory. Indian authorities had been looking for him for a long time and accused him of “terrorism”.
The Sikh religious community in Canada has the largest community outside of India with almost 800,000 followers.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
