In an unprecedented diplomatic standoff, India and Canada have expelled top envoys and other diplomats, heightening tensions between the two nations. The clash follows accusations from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government that Indian agents were involved in criminal activities on Canadian soil, including “homicides, extortion, and violent acts.” The most explosive of these allegations centers around the June 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While Canadian police have not officially linked the agents to Nijjar’s killing, tensions between the countries continue to escalate. India has flatly rejected the accusations, calling them “preposterous.”
Pro-Khalistan Movement and Sikh Separatism
At the core of the dispute is the pro-Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh homeland in India. Canadian officials claim that Indian agents targeted supporters of this movement. The murder of Nijjar, a vocal pro-Khalistan activist who was gunned down outside the Sikh temple he led in British Columbia, has brought these underlying tensions to the forefront. Canada alleges that there is credible evidence linking Indian agents to the murder, an assertion that India has vehemently denied.
RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme said, “There had been over a dozen credible and imminent threats to life, which specifically focused on members of the pro-Khalistan movement.” The Royal Canadian Mounted Police took the rare step of publicly disclosing ongoing investigations, citing a significant threat to public safety. Duheme added, “We reached a point where we felt it was imperative to confront the government of India.”
Diplomatic Fallout: Expulsions and Allegations
In response to Canada’s allegations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, with a deadline to leave India by October 19. Canada had earlier withdrawn Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and other diplomats, citing safety concerns. Canada’s foreign ministry stated that they had shared evidence with India and expected the Indian government to investigate the claims.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly commented, “It is in the interests of both our countries and the peoples of our countries to get to the bottom of this.” Meanwhile, India dismissed these claims, referring to the accusations against Verma as “ludicrous” and beneath consideration. India’s foreign ministry accused Canada of being influenced by Sikh separatist campaigners and responded with a sharp rebuke, announcing it would also be withdrawing its top diplomats.
Deteriorating Relations Amid Investigations
The murder of Nijjar has thrown India and Canada’s relationship into deep disrepair. In September 2023, Trudeau publicly accused India of violating Canadian sovereignty, a move that was met with outrage from Delhi. India’s foreign ministry issued a statement saying, “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.”
While diplomatic expulsions have intensified the situation, Canada’s investigation remains ongoing. Trudeau’s government has maintained that it is seeking justice, while India continues to dismiss the allegations as politically motivated and without merit.
A Glimmer of Resolution?
Despite the diplomatic chaos, there have been faint signs of progress. India resumed processing visas in October 2023 after a temporary suspension, but Canadian Foreign Minister Joly warned that relations remain “tense” and “very difficult.” She added that there are ongoing concerns about potential further violence on Canadian soil, as supporters of the Khalistan movement remain under threat.