October 15, 2024 – Ottawa/New Delhi
Diplomatic tensions between Canada and India have reached new heights as both countries have expelled six diplomats each, in response to the ongoing row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader. This escalation follows weeks of back-and-forth accusations, which have strained relations between the two nations.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement—a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region—was killed in June 2024 in British Columbia, Canada. His assassination has sparked a diplomatic crisis, with Canada accusing India of involvement in the killing, an allegation that New Delhi has strongly denied.
Expulsion of Diplomats
The tit-for-tat expulsions mark a significant escalation in the dispute. Canada initially expelled six Indian diplomats, citing their involvement in activities “inconsistent with their diplomatic status.” In response, India promptly retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, accusing them of interference in India’s internal affairs.
These expulsions underscore the deteriorating relationship between the two countries, both of which are now locked in a high-stakes diplomatic standoff. This latest development adds to the growing list of tensions between India and Canada, with trade talks recently stalled and concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Canada becoming a focal point in the dispute.
Background on Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Canadian citizen and leader of a Sikh temple in British Columbia. A prominent figure within the Khalistan movement, Nijjar had long been accused by Indian authorities of being involved in terrorism and separatist activities. India had even sought his extradition on charges related to his alleged role in plotting attacks in India. Canada, however, had rejected these claims, maintaining that Nijjar was a peaceful activist and had not provided evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
His killing in Canada has reignited tensions over the Khalistan movement, a highly sensitive issue for the Indian government, which views it as a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The movement has strong support among some members of the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, where there is a large Sikh community.
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Implications
The expulsion of diplomats on both sides signals a major breakdown in diplomatic relations between two countries that have historically maintained strong ties, especially in areas such as trade, education, and technology. While both governments have expressed interest in de-escalating the situation, the recent actions suggest that the crisis is far from over.
Canada has been vocal in demanding accountability for Nijjar’s killing, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling for a thorough investigation. India, on the other hand, has called Canada’s accusations “baseless” and warned against what it perceives as foreign interference in its internal security matters.
This diplomatic row could have wider implications, particularly within the context of India’s relations with other Western nations, which are closely watching the developments. The Sikh diaspora’s influence in Canada, particularly in political and electoral terms, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Canadian officials have been under pressure to address the concerns of the Sikh community, while India continues to view the diaspora’s support for the Khalistan movement as a significant threat.
Looking Ahead
With diplomatic ties now strained, it is unclear how the two countries will navigate this escalating conflict. While dialogue and de-escalation are still possible, the expulsions mark a serious rupture that may take considerable diplomatic efforts to repair.
CMP Publications will continue to monitor this developing story, providing updates as more details emerge and both countries navigate this diplomatic crisis.