Canadian officials have expelled Indian diplomats over allegations of a criminal network linked to the Indian government, targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. The accusations have heightened tensions between the two countries, already strained since a Sikh leader's assassination in 2023.
Canada and India in Diplomatic Clash Over Criminal Network Allegations
Canada and India in Diplomatic Clash Over Criminal Network Allegations
In a heated international dispute, Canada has expelled Indian diplomats, accusing them of involvement in a criminal network targeting Sikh separatists.
Canadian authorities announced Monday that they expelled Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, accusing them of being involved in criminal activities such as extortion and homicide aimed at intimidating Sikh separatists in the country. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension following the assassination of a Canadian Sikh cleric, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia last year, widely attributed by Canada to Indian-backed operatives.
India, in response, has withdrawn its diplomats, citing safety concerns amid what it describes as an atmosphere of extremism in Canada. The country vehemently denies any involvement in Nijjar's murder, suggesting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is exploiting the sizable Sikh population in Canada for political leverage.
This diplomatic fallout complicates efforts by nations including the USA and EU to engage India as a global strategic partner. The interpersonal tensions exacerbate existing legislative concerns over foreign interference, heightened by a recent Canadian parliamentary report identifying both China and India as significant threats.
The Indian government, standing firm behind Verma, dismisses Canada's claims as absurd, further entrenching the already deepening diplomatic rift between the two commonwealth nations. Meanwhile, the political ramifications continue to unfold against the backdrop of an international investigation, underscoring the complexity of geopolitical alliances.
India, in response, has withdrawn its diplomats, citing safety concerns amid what it describes as an atmosphere of extremism in Canada. The country vehemently denies any involvement in Nijjar's murder, suggesting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is exploiting the sizable Sikh population in Canada for political leverage.
This diplomatic fallout complicates efforts by nations including the USA and EU to engage India as a global strategic partner. The interpersonal tensions exacerbate existing legislative concerns over foreign interference, heightened by a recent Canadian parliamentary report identifying both China and India as significant threats.
The Indian government, standing firm behind Verma, dismisses Canada's claims as absurd, further entrenching the already deepening diplomatic rift between the two commonwealth nations. Meanwhile, the political ramifications continue to unfold against the backdrop of an international investigation, underscoring the complexity of geopolitical alliances.
