Canada Expels Six Indian Diplomats Over Alleged Murder Involvement
Expulsion of Indian Diplomats
On Monday, Canada expelled six top Indian diplomats and consular officials, including India's high commissioner. They were identified as "persons of interest" in the murder of Sikh separatist figure, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was assassinated by masked gunmen in Vancouver, British Columbia, in June 2023. Three Indian nationals were subsequently arrested and charged for the crime. This event sparked a diplomatic spat in September when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in the killing.
India's Response
The Indian government denies the allegations. However, Canadian law enforcement authorities have accused the Indian government of running a criminal network to intimidate and target Canadian Sikh separatists. India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with several other officials, were declared persona non grata by the Canadian government for their alleged roles in criminal activity, extortion, and homicide.
Effect on India-Canada Relations
This incident has strained relations between India and Canada, with the potential to sever ties between the two Commonwealth nations. The Indian government accused Trudeau of making the decision based on a "political agenda" and announced that it was withdrawing its diplomats from Canada. In a tit-for-tat move, New Delhi also announced that it would be expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the Canadian embassy’s second-highest-ranking diplomat, Stewart Wheeler.
Canada's Allegations
Canada's law enforcement authorities claim to have significant information about the extent of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the Indian government, posing threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada. They link the Indian government to homicides and extortion and accuse it of using organized crime to target the South Asian community in Canada and interfere in democratic processes.
India's Counter-Claims
The Indian government maintains that Canada has yet to provide any evidence of its investigation into Nijjar's killing or India's involvement in the assassination. It accuses Canada of smearing India for political gains under the pretext of an investigation. Prime Minister Trudeau defended Canada's actions, stating that India's response to the allegations has been denial, obfuscation, and personal attacks.
Indian Diaspora in Canada
Canada withdrew more than 40 diplomats from India in October 2023 after New Delhi asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence. Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the world, with a population of just under two million. Sikhs dominate the community at 36 percent compared to Hindus at 32 percent of the diaspora. The majority of the diaspora is concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia.
Assassination Plot in the US
In November, US prosecutors in New York charged an Indian national with a failed attempt to assassinate an American citizen on US soil. Authorities allege that an unnamed Indian government official recruited Nikhil Gupta, who then contacted someone he believed to be a hitman, to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh activist and New York-based lawyer for the Punjabi secessionist group, Sikhs for Justice.
Bottom Line
The expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada over alleged involvement in a murder case has strained relations between the two countries. This incident also raises questions about the safety and security of diaspora communities worldwide. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
