Canada Accuses Indian Diplomats of Espionage and Threats Against Sikh Activist’s Amid Growing Tensions
In a rapidly intensifying diplomatic standoff, Canada has expelled India’s top diplomat and five others, accusing them of involvement in the 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the diplomats, including the Indian High Commissioner, were “persons of interest” in the murder investigation and other crimes, with mounting evidence of Indian government agents threatening Canadian citizens.
“We will never tolerate a foreign government targeting and killing Canadian citizens,” Trudeau stated, condemning India’s actions as a “monumental mistake.”
Nijjar, a vocal supporter of Sikh independence and leader of a temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was shot and killed in June 2023. Four Indian nationals in Canada were charged with the crime. The Indian government had labeled Nijjar a terrorist in 2020 and sought his extradition over alleged involvement in an attack on a Hindu priest.
RCMP Uncovers ‘Clear and Concrete’ Evidence
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly disclosed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had gathered substantial evidence linking six individuals, including the expelled diplomats, to the killing. The evidence also pointed to other violent acts carried out by Indian government agents in Canada.
Joly said India refused to cooperate in the investigation or waive diplomatic immunity for those involved. RCMP officials have warned members of the Sikh independence movement of ongoing threats, citing over a dozen credible and imminent threats.
India Denies Allegations, Retaliates by Expelling Canadian Diplomats
India rejected the accusations as absurd, accusing Canada of supporting extremism and separatism. In retaliation, India ordered the expulsion of Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats, giving them until Saturday to leave.
The Indian foreign ministry condemned Canada’s actions, stating that “the baseless targeting of Indian diplomats is unacceptable.” Despite the tensions, Canadian officials have urged India to cooperate in the investigation.
International Ramifications
The diplomatic fallout has drawn international attention, particularly after U.S. prosecutors last year linked an Indian official to a thwarted assassination plot targeting another Sikh separatist leader in New York. India has been cooperating with U.S. authorities in that case, and Canada’s foreign minister urged similar collaboration between India and Canada.
With relations between Canada and India already strained, this latest escalation raises concerns over future diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Join our Channel...