india-removes-six-canadian-diplomats

India has expelled six Canadian diplomats amid escalating diplomatic tensions with Canada.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that these diplomats must leave the country by or before 11:59 PM on October 19, 2024.

 

The expelled diplomats include Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, and First Secretaries Marie Catherine Joly, Ian Ross David Trites, Adam James Chuipka, and Paula Orjuela.

 

This move follows India's recall of its High Commissioner in response to Canada’s alleged support for Khalistani separatists.

 

The Canadian government, too, has expelled six Indian diplomats, following India’s decision to recall its High Commissioner from Ottawa. 

 

This move, described by observers as retaliatory, highlights the increasingly fractious relationship between the two nations, particularly in the wake of accusations surrounding Khalistani separatism.

 

The backdrop to this diplomatic row stems from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over a year ago, in which he accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist. Despite Trudeau’s assertions, India has consistently denied any involvement and demanded evidence to support such claims.

 

The lack of proof presented by Trudeau has led Indian officials to characterise the accusations as politically motivated, aimed at appeasing a particular voter base within Canada ahead of upcoming elections.

 

The recent diplomatic exchanges have intensified, with India recalling its High Commissioner as a response to what it perceives as the Trudeau government’s blatant support of Khalistani extremists.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs in India expressed concern over the safety of its diplomats, citing an atmosphere of hostility and extremism fostered by the Canadian government.

 

India’s move to withdraw its High Commissioner was portrayed as a necessary measure to protect its diplomatic representatives in Canada.

 

In a tit-for-tat reaction, Canada issued expulsion orders for six Indian diplomats.

 

The Canadian government justified its actions by claiming that the expelled diplomats were involved in activities deemed contrary to Canada’s national interests.

 

This diplomatic spat raises broader concerns about the future of India-Canada relations, particularly as both nations grapple with issues related to extremism and national security.

 

The accusations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death are seen as a direct attack on India’s sovereignty and as a potential pretext for Canada to undermine India’s position in the international arena.

 

Indian officials have described the Canadian allegations as "preposterous" and part of a strategy to smear India’s reputation for political gain.

 

They argue that Trudeau’s administration is leveraging these accusations to garner support from Khalistani sympathisers within Canada, who are a vocal segment of the electorate.

 

In response to the ongoing tensions, India has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its national interests and has indicated a willingness to take further action if Canada continues to engage in what it perceives as hostile and unfounded behaviour.

 

As diplomatic negotiations seem increasingly strained, the prospect of resolution appears dim. India has called on Canada to focus on constructive dialogue rather than accusations, urging the Canadian government to withdraw its allegations and work towards a more cooperative relationship. The situation remains fluid, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of India-Canada relations.