Diplomatic Tensions Escalate as India and Canada Expel Diplomats Over Nijjar's Killing

India and Canada are currently facing a significant diplomatic crisis following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He claimed that Indian government agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India has dismissed these allegations, labeling them as "absurd" and "politically motivated."

In a recent escalation, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in connection with the investigation into Nijjar's killing, which took place in British Columbia. In retaliation, India announced the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, including Canada's Acting High Commissioner to India, Steward Ross Wheeler, and Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that they possess information regarding certain criminal activities allegedly conducted by agents of the Indian government. He mentioned that law enforcement has made significant progress in addressing criminal acts, including homicides and extortions, connected to individuals involved with the pro-Khalistan movement.

India strongly refuted Canada's diplomatic communication suggesting that its diplomats were "persons of interest" in the investigation, characterizing this claim as "preposterous." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) accused Trudeau's government of fostering a political agenda that harbors anti-India sentiments, claiming that it has allowed violent extremists to threaten Indian diplomats and community members in Canada.

While the diplomatic ties between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly after Nijjar's killing in June 2023, the history of strained relations between the two nations dates back further. In February 2018, Jaspal Atwal, a...