India-Canada Relations Hit New Low Amid Diplomatic Expulsions Over Sikh Activist’s Killing
India and Canada are currently at a critical juncture in their relations, with both nations taking the unprecedented step of expelling top diplomats. The dispute, which centers around the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, has reached a new level of intensity. On Monday, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, accusing India of involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic row.
Canada’s Accusations
Canada’s government has identified India’s top diplomat in the country as a person of interest in the assassination plot of Nijjar, a prominent leader of the Sikh separatist movement in British Columbia. The expulsion of the Indian diplomats came after Canadian police revealed evidence suggesting a connection between Indian agents and Nijjar’s murder. Mélanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, stated that there was “ample, clear and concrete evidence” linking six individuals, including Indian officials, to the assassination.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also pointed to a broader pattern of interference, alleging Indian involvement in various “serious criminal activities in Canada,” including connections to other homicides, violent acts, and efforts to influence Canada’s democratic processes. These allegations have further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
India’s Response
India has firmly denied the accusations, calling them “absurd” and politically motivated attempts to damage its reputation. In a statement, the Indian government claimed that Canada had not provided any substantial evidence to support its claims, despite multiple requests. India reiterated that Nijjar was involved in terrorist activities and accused Canada of harboring Sikh separatists.
The Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Nijjar was fatally shot in June 2023 while leaving the Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia. An Indian-born Canadian citizen, Nijjar had been a vocal advocate for the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create an independent Sikh homeland. India had designated him a terrorist in 2020, accusing him of involvement in an attack on a Hindu priest and other alleged acts of violence. Despite his controversial standing in India, Nijjar’s activism earned him significant support within Canada’s Sikh community.
Historical Context and Escalating Tensions
Tensions between India and Canada over Sikh separatist activities have persisted for decades. The Khalistan movement, which is banned in India, retains support among the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada, where freedom of speech and political advocacy provide a platform for separatist movements. This long-standing strain has impacted India-Canada relations, despite their strong economic and strategic ties, especially concerning defense and countering China’s global ambitions.
In May 2024, Canadian police arrested three Indian nationals allegedly linked to Nijjar’s killing, prompting a sharp rebuke from India. The accusations that Indian government agents were involved have only intensified India’s claims that Canada has been too lenient with Sikh separatists.
Diplomatic Breakdown
The latest diplomatic expulsions reflect the depth of the current rift between the two countries. Both nations have previously expelled diplomats over the Nijjar case, but Monday’s actions signal a significant deterioration in relations. Canada has requested that India waive diplomatic immunity for the implicated officials and cooperate in the ongoing investigation, a request India has rejected.
This dispute remains a significant point of contention, with both sides standing firm on their positions. As this episode continues to strain their diplomatic and strategic ties, the future of India-Canada relations is uncertain.