WASHINGTON, DC — THE world is watching closely as the diplomatic spat between Canada and India intensifies, with both nations expelling top diplomats.
Canada recently accused India of involvement in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh separatist. In response, both countries have expelled diplomats, further escalating tensions.
Global Affairs Canada announced that six Indian diplomats and consular officials were expelled due to what it called “a targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India.”
India retaliated hours later by ordering the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, requiring them to leave by October 19. The Ministry of External Affairs provided the names of the diplomats and First Secretaries affected, setting a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on that date.
Canada's Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that it had collected evidence linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing. The Sikh leader was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver in June 2023, a crime that Ottawa now believes involved Indian government officials.
Nijjar, 45, had been designated as a terrorist by India in 2020. His death has strained relations between the two countries, especially given Canada’s perceived support for the Sikh community. New Delhi has long opposed Sikh separatist movements, particularly those advocating for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.
Canada's government revealed that it had requested India to waive diplomatic immunity for certain officials to facilitate the RCMP’s investigation. However, India refused, prompting Canada to expel the diplomats.
The U.S. State Department has called the allegations “extremely serious” and emphasized the need for a full investigation. Spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored the importance of both India and Canada to the United States, noting, “India continues to be an incredibly strong partner of the United States. We work with them on a number of matters, including our shared vision for a free, open, prosperous Indo-Pacific. And when we have concerns, we have the kind of relationship where we can take those concerns to them and have very frank, candid conversations about those concerns."
Both Canada and India are longstanding U.S. allies, with Ottawa and New Delhi celebrating over 70 years of diplomatic relations. Canada also hosts a large Indian diaspora, including a significant Sikh population.
The tensions between the two nations have been building for years, marked by trade restrictions and public criticism from both governments. With diplomatic ties deteriorating, the dispute is drawing global attention and could have significant geopolitical consequences.
