In a dramatic escalation of a diplomatic crisis, Canada and India engaged in a tit-for-tat expulsion of six diplomats each on Monday. This action stems from the ongoing investigation into the June 2023 assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, with Canada alleging involvement of Indian government agents. The expulsion of diplomats, including high commissioners from both sides, marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations and highlights the deep-seated tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement and allegations of cross-border espionage and violence.
Key Takeaways: Canada-India Diplomatic Crisis
- Tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats: Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, citing evidence linking Indian government agents to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other violent acts. India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats.
- Allegations of Indian government involvement: Canada claims to possess concrete evidence linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder and other violent acts within Canada, raising serious concerns about national security.
- Strained relationship: The incident further deteriorates the already fragile relationship between Canada and India, marked by mutual accusations and mistrust.
- Khalistan movement at the heart of the conflict: The assassination of Nijjar and the ongoing tensions are deeply intertwined with the pro-Khalistan movement, a sensitive issue for both countries.
- International implications: The diplomatic fallout has international implications, with the United States also involved in related investigations, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of the dispute.
Canada’s Actions and Allegations
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada expelled six Indian diplomats after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) uncovered evidence allegedly demonstrating a targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by Indian government agents. Joly emphasized that India was asked to waive diplomatic and consular immunities and cooperate in the investigation, a request that was denied. She stated that the decision to expel the diplomats was made “with great consideration and only after the RCMP gathered ample, clear and concrete evidence which identified six individuals as persons of interest in the Nijjar case.“
RCMP Findings and Concerns
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that “Indian diplomats and consular officials are there to protect the interests of their nationals based in Canada and their national interest and not to be part of criminal activity or intimidation, so we take that very seriously. That is without a doubt a contravention of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.” RCMP Mike Duheme revealed that the investigation has uncovered evidence allegedly linking Indian government agents to “other homicides and violent acts in Canada,” and that there have been “well over a dozen credible and imminent threats” against members of the South Asian community, particularly those involved in the pro-Khalistan movement. He added that attempts to collaborate with Indian law enforcement were unsuccessful.
India’s Response and Counter-Allegations
India firmly rejected Canada’s accusations as “absurd.” The Indian foreign ministry summoned the top Canadian diplomat in New Delhi and strongly condemned the “baseless targeting” of the Indian high commissioner and other diplomats. The ministry stated that India reserves “the right to take further steps in response to the Trudeau government’s support for extremism, violence and separatism against India.” The statement also expressed a lack of faith in the Canadian government’s ability to ensure the safety of its diplomats.
India’s Previous Actions and Stance
Last year, following initial allegations implicating the Indian government in Nijjar’s assassination, India instructed Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India from 62 to 41 diplomats. This move underscores the escalating tensions and mutual distrust between the two countries. India has consistently criticized Canada for its perceived leniency towards supporters of the Khalistan movement, which is considered a terrorist organization in India. New Delhi has been pressing countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK to take action against Sikh activists advocating for Khalistan.
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar Assassination and its Fallout
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist and leader within the Khalistan movement, was assassinated in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Nijjar had been designated a terrorist by India in 2020. His death has become a focal point of the escalating diplomatic crisis, with Canada’s accusations against India directly linked to the ongoing investigation.
The Khalistan Movement and its International Implications
The Khalistan movement, advocating for a separate Sikh state in India, remains a significant source of tension between India and Canada. While the movement enjoys considerable support amongst the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, it is banned in India. This issue forms a crucial undercurrent in the diplomatic row, with both countries holding starkly contrasting views on the movement’s nature and legitimacy.
US Involvement and Broader International Ramifications
The United States has also become indirectly involved in this affair. The U.S. State Department announced that an Indian inquiry committee investigating a plot to assassinate another prominent Sikh separatist leader living in New York would be traveling to Washington for discussions. This development underscores the international reach of the dispute and highlights the interconnected nature of the various investigations surrounding the Khalistan movement and allegations of Indian government actions abroad.
Past US involvement
Last year, U.S. prosecutors announced charges against an individual involved in a thwarted conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. A “senior field officer” with responsibility for security and intelligence was implicated in directing the plot, though not named nor charged. This earlier case provides a context for the current accusations against India and indicates a pattern of concern regarding potential Indian government involvement in targeting Sikh activists internationally.
Conclusion: A Deepening Diplomatic Rift
The tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats represents a major escalation in the already strained relationship between Canada and India. The accusations of Indian government involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other acts of violence within Canada, coupled with India’s strong denials and counter-allegations, has created a deep and potentially lasting rift. The implications of this conflict extend far beyond bilateral relations, impacting the international perception of both countries and highlighting the sensitive and complex nature of the Khalistan movement and related security concerns.
