Canada’s accusations of India’s possible involvement in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil have led to escalating tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi, resulting in both countries expelling senior diplomats.
The diplomatic expulsions followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement that Canada was investigating “credible allegations” linking India to Nijjar’s June killing. Trudeau pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable and revealed that Canadian security agencies had been actively pursuing leads.
Canada expelled an Indian diplomat, identified as the head of the Indian intelligence agency in the country, in response to these allegations. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly stated that Canada would thoroughly investigate the matter, and Prime Minister Trudeau discussed it with US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
In a tit-for-tat move, India also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat based in India, citing concerns about Canadian diplomats’ interference in their internal affairs and involvement in anti-India activities.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader in western Canada, was killed in June by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Nijjar was a vocal supporter of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland, and led peaceful protests against human rights violations in India and in support of Khalistan. The Khalistan movement is outlawed in India, and some associated groups are considered terrorist organizations.
India rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd and motivated,” emphasizing its commitment to the rule of law and democracy. India accused Canada of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and failing to address the issue.
The White House expressed deep concern about the allegations and stressed the importance of Canada’s investigation proceeding and the perpetrators being brought to justice.
Canadian police have not made any arrests in connection with Nijjar’s murder but continue to investigate three suspects.
The allegations against the Indian government are expected to further strain relations between the two countries, leading to a pause in their ongoing trade deal negotiations. The issue of activism within Canada’s large Sikh diaspora has long been a source of tension between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not hold a one-on-one meeting with Trudeau during a recent G20 summit, instead addressing their concerns about anti-India activities on the sidelines.
Relations between the leaders have been frosty for several years, with Trudeau’s perceived sympathy for Sikh activists being a point of contention. In 2018, Trudeau’s visit to India was marked by a perceived snub from New Delhi, with concerns about his stance on Sikh activism.
The Sikh religion has about 25 million followers worldwide, with a significant diaspora in Canada, Britain, and Australia. While Khalistan supporters within India remain on the margins, the movement continues to find sympathy among some Sikhs in the global diaspora, leading to periodic referendums on establishing a separate homeland.
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