Canada Expels Six Indian Diplomats, Including High Commissioner

Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, accusing them of involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Canadian government also alleged a broader effort to target Indian dissidents within its borders. In response, India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner, and withdrew its envoy from Canada, contradicting Canada’s earlier expulsion statement.

These actions come amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations over Nijjar’s murder. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claimed that their investigation links Indian government agents to homicides and violent acts in Canada. They further alleged that these agents had been coercing and threatening members of Canada’s South Asian diaspora.

This escalating conflict occurs as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces declining popularity ahead of elections. Many view his strong stance against India as a political move to gain support from Sikh voters, using the controversy to boost his image.