Indian diplomat expelled by Canada; Trudeau accuses New Delhi of involvement in Khalistani leader’s killing.

Canadian Foreign Minister Expels Indian Diplomat Amidst Deteriorating India-Canada Relations

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joy announced on Monday that an Indian diplomat has been expelled from Canada, further worsening India-Canada relations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government played a role in the killing of wanted Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Trudeau Alleges Indian Government Involvement in Killing of Nijjar

During a session in the Canadian Parliament, Prime Minister Trudeau stated that his national security officials had reason to believe that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible for Nijjar’s killing. Nijjar was gunned down outside a gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.

Trudeau emphasized that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is a violation of sovereignty and against democratic principles. He called on India to cooperate with the investigation and expressed concern for the Indo-Canadian community.

In response to Trudeau’s announcement, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joy expelled Pavan Kumar Rai, the head of India’s intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Canada.

India-Canada Relations Deteriorate

The recent remarks by Trudeau and the expulsion of the Indian diplomat mark a low point in India-Canada relations. Last week, Canada cancelled a trade mission to India, and trade talks between the two countries have been put on hold. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong concerns to Trudeau over Canada’s handling of pro-Khalistani activities during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that pro-Khalistani elements in Canada are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats and the Indian community. The ministry called for cooperation between the two countries in dealing with these threats.

Investigation into Nijjar’s Death

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader wanted by the Indian government, was shot dead in Canada. He was associated with the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and played a key role in organizing the Khalistan referendum. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that Nijjar was involved in recruiting, training, and financing pro-Khalistan terrorist modules.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is currently investigating Nijjar’s death. Trudeau has discussed the issue with US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Pro-Khalistani activities in Canada have been a concern for India, and New Delhi has summoned the Canadian envoy in July to address the increasing activities by pro-Khalistani elements.

India has vehemently denied claims made by pro-Khalistani groups in Canada and called on Canadian authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and the Indian community.

Canada has a significant Sikh population, comprising about 2% of its total population.

(With agency inputs)

ALSO READ | Canada-India FTA negotiations stand paused, talks to resume later: Sources

Latest World News