India has recalled its envoy to Canada, along with other diplomatic staff, following allegations from the Canadian government linking Indian agents to a series of criminal activities. These accusations include claims of involvement in homicides, extortion, and violent acts on Canadian soil. The Canadian police suggested that the crimes particularly targeted supporters of the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh homeland in India.
The police did not directly confirm whether these agents were involved in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. However, the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleged that they have credible evidence of Indian agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s killing, a claim that has fueled a significant diplomatic rift between the two nations.
India has staunchly denied the allegations, dismissing them as “preposterous” and a part of Trudeau’s political agenda. In response, Delhi recalled its diplomatic staff from Canada, a move that further deepened the tensions between the two countries. A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed strong discontent with Canada’s accusations and alluded to potential further retaliatory measures.
“India now reserves the right to take further steps in response to these latest efforts of the Canadian government to concoct allegations against Indian diplomats,” the ministry stated. It also defended Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, referring to his “distinguished career spanning 36 years” and calling Canada’s accusations against him “ludicrous” and deserving “contempt.”
The tensions between Canada and India have been escalating since September 2023, when Prime Minister Trudeau first announced in Canada’s parliament that the country’s intelligence had linked Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing. Trudeau declared the assassination a violation of Canada’s sovereignty and demanded India’s accountability. Since then, relations between the two nations have significantly deteriorated, with India responding by demanding that Canada withdraw several of its diplomatic personnel.
On Monday, India’s foreign ministry responded sharply to the continuing allegations from Canada. The ministry described Trudeau’s remarks as politically motivated and part of his broader agenda, further straining the relationship between the two countries. Although no specific details about further actions were provided, the statement hinted at India’s intent to pursue additional measures if the allegations persisted.
“We have no faith in the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government did not immediately issue a formal response to India’s latest actions. However, Stuart Wheeler, Canada’s deputy head of mission in Delhi, was summoned by India’s External Affairs Ministry to address Canada’s accusations. During the meeting, the ministry made it clear that the “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats was unacceptable.
The accusations center on Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was a prominent supporter of the Khalistan movement. Nijjar, a Sikh leader in British Columbia, was shot and killed outside the Sikh temple where he served as president. His assassination, which was carried out by two masked gunmen, was labeled by Canadian police as a “targeted attack.” The investigation has continued to dominate headlines in both Canada and India.
Nijjar had long advocated for the creation of a separate Sikh homeland in India, which is at the core of the Khalistan movement. While his supporters viewed him as a key figure in this movement, India labeled him a terrorist, accusing him of leading a militant separatist group. However, Nijjar’s backers have denied these accusations, describing them as unfounded.
Trudeau’s September announcement regarding Indian agents’ alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing caused a rapid escalation of tensions. India rejected all accusations outright, asserting that no evidence had been presented to substantiate Canada’s claims. The diplomatic spat led to a series of retaliatory measures, including India suspending visa services for Canadians and requesting the reduction of Canadian diplomatic staff in the country.
The situation appeared to improve briefly when India resumed visa services for Canadian citizens in October 2023, suggesting that the icy relations between the two nations might be warming. However, last week, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly characterized the relationship between the two countries as “tense” and “very difficult.” She also warned of the continued risk of further killings similar to Nijjar’s, underscoring the ongoing security concerns.
Joly’s remarks have added fuel to the fire in an already volatile diplomatic situation. Although India had expressed hope for a resolution, the recent developments indicate that both sides remain entrenched in their positions. For India, the accusations are seen as an affront to the country’s integrity and diplomatic standing, while Canada continues to press for a thorough investigation into Nijjar’s assassination.
In the wake of these ongoing tensions, the future of India-Canada relations remains uncertain. Both nations have much at stake, given their longstanding ties and mutual interests in trade, immigration, and security. While Canada has not publicly detailed the evidence it claims to have against India, the allegations have prompted global scrutiny and put a spotlight on the growing friction between the two nations.
In the meantime, the withdrawal of India’s High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and other diplomatic staff signals a significant escalation in the dispute. This move suggests that India is preparing for a prolonged diplomatic conflict unless a resolution is reached.
As the situation develops, both countries will need to navigate the sensitive geopolitical implications of this dispute. With Canada reiterating concerns over future targeted attacks and India defending its diplomats, the prospect of reconciliation appears distant. Yet, the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations, especially given the vast Indian diaspora in Canada, remains a crucial factor in any potential resolution.
For now, India has taken a firm stance, recalling its diplomats and signaling that it is willing to take further measures if necessary. As global attention continues to focus on this escalating feud, the next steps from both sides will be closely watched by the international community.