India and Canada have expelled senior diplomats as tensions escalate over allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the action follows credible police evidence linking India to the killing. India rejected the claims as “preposterous” and accused Trudeau of pandering to Canada’s Sikh community for political gain.
In retaliation, India ordered six Canadian diplomats, including acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, to leave by October 19 and withdrew its top envoys, citing security concerns.
Nijjar, a prominent supporter of the Khalistan movement, was killed outside a temple in Surrey, British Columbia. While Canada called the killing a targeted attack, India labeled Nijjar a terrorist. Relations have since deteriorated, with visa services suspended and accusations exchanged.
Canadian police revealed ongoing threats to Khalistan supporters, prompting public disclosure and further straining diplomatic ties. Both countries remain locked in a standoff, with no resolution in sight.
