Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
India Canada Diplomatic Tensions Intensify
India has reacted with strong disapproval after being informed by Canada that its ambassador and several other diplomats were labeled as "persons of interest" in an ongoing investigation. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, they received this notification through diplomatic channels on Sunday and expressed their intent to respond in due course. India dismissed the allegations as "preposterous" and stated, "The Government of India strongly rejects these imputations."
Background: Allegations of India's Role in Sikh Leader's Death
The diplomatic strain traces back to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims in 2023, accusing the Indian government of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, on Canadian soil. Delhi has consistently rejected these allegations. The incident triggered a sharp decline in diplomatic relations, with India calling on Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence and suspending visa services.
India’s Strong Response to Canada
India's foreign ministry, in its statement on Monday, dismissed the accusations as part of Trudeau's "political agenda" and warned of potential countermeasures, though no specifics were given. "India now reserves the right to take further steps in response to these latest efforts of the Canadian Government to concoct allegations against Indian diplomats," the ministry stated.
The Indian government also stood firmly in defense of its High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, highlighting his "distinguished career spanning 36 years" and calling Canada’s accusations "ludicrous" and deserving of "contempt."
No Immediate Canadian Response
As of now, the Canadian government has not responded to India’s recent statement. The tensions between the two countries stem from the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, where he was shot by masked gunmen outside the Sikh temple he led.
Canada’s Investigation and India's Denial
Nijjar, a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement advocating for a separate Sikh homeland, was accused by India of leading a militant separatist group, charges that his supporters have rejected. Canadian authorities described his murder as a "targeted attack."
In September 2023, Trudeau announced in Parliament that Canadian intelligence suggested possible Indian involvement in the killing, calling it a violation of Canada's sovereignty. However, India has consistently denied these claims and asserted that no concrete evidence has been presented to back the allegations.
Ongoing Diplomatic Strain
Although ties seemed to slightly improve after India resumed visa services in October 2023, tensions remain high. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly recently characterized the relationship as "tense" and "very difficult," even warning of potential risks of more killings like Nijjar’s in Canada.
