Diplomatic Row Escalates: India Recalls Envoy, Expels Canadian Diplomats
Pic source:Times of India
India’s relations with Canada have deteriorated significantly, with six Canadian diplomats expelled on Monday. India also decided to recall its’s High Commissioner to Canada and other targeted diplomats and officials.
This escalation follows long-standing tensions over the Khalistan movement and Sikh separatism, exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing in September 2023.
India denies any role in Nijjar’s death, labeling the claims “absurd and motivated.”
The Indian government on Monday decided to recall its High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials from Canada. The Foreign Ministry statement said that in an environment of extremism and violence, the Trudeau government’s actions put the safety of diplomats at risk.We have no confidence in the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensuring their safety. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to recall the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials from Canada.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, “We do not want any strained relations with India. India is a democratic country. A country with which we have deep historical trade relations. If there is instability around you in politics, it will This means that democratic countries have to live together.
For this reason, they started saying through intelligence agencies that perhaps India was behind the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.”
Canada has linked the Indian High Commissioner and diplomats as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation into the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case, a move India has openly criticized and warned as ‘absurd allegations’.The Indian government has also summoned the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada. India has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of vote bank politics for political gains.
India has strongly rejected Canada’s claims that Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and other diplomats are “persons of interest” in an investigation, labeling them “preposterous imputations” driven by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political agenda.
Indian government accused Canada that Since Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023, Canada has failed to provide evidence despite multiple requests from India. This latest move is seen as a deliberate attempt to smear India for political gains.
Trudeau’s hostility towards India dates back to 2018 when his visit aimed at currying favor with a vote bank rebounded to his discomfort. His cabinet includes individuals with extremist and separatist agendas regarding India.
“Prime Minister Trudeau’s hostility to India has long been in evidence. In 2018, his visit to India, which was aimed at currying favour with a vote bank, rebounded to his discomfort. His Cabinet has included individuals who have openly associated with an extremist and separatist agenda regarding India.” Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement
Canada’s government has been criticized for ignoring foreign interference in its politics and has brought India into the equation to mitigate damage. The targeting of Indian diplomats serves the anti-India separatist agenda that Trudeau’s government has consistently supported.
This development comes as Trudeau prepares to testify before a commission on foreign interference. India’s government has taken note of the Canadian High Commission’s activities serving the current regime’s agenda, leading to reciprocal diplomatic measures.
High Commissioner Verma, with 36 years of distinguished service, deserves respect, not ludicrous aspersions. India reserves the right to take further action against Canada’s allegations.
The Indian government views Canada’s actions as an attempt to undermine its sovereignty and integrity, and will not hesitate to take necessary steps to protect its interests. The diplomatic row between the two nations is likely to escalate, with significant implications for bilateral relations.
