Official statements from Indian or Canadian governments or verified media reports

India and Canada Expel Six Diplomats Each Amid Row Over Sikh Activist's Killing

Oct 14, 2024, 02:30 PM

India and Canada are engaged in a deepening diplomatic row following allegations linking Indian diplomats to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023. Canada has alleged that India's High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and other diplomats are "persons of interest" in the investigation into Nijjar's murder. India has strongly rejected these claims, describing them as "preposterous imputations" and attributing them to the "political agenda of the Trudeau Government that is centered around vote bank politics." India also stated that "Canada has not shared a shred of evidence" supporting the allegations. In response, India summoned the Canadian Charge d’Affaires and announced the withdrawal of its High Commissioner to Canada and other targeted diplomats, citing concerns over their safety and stating it has "no faith in the current Canadian Government's commitment to ensure their security" amid "an atmosphere of extremism and violence." Additionally, India has expelled six Canadian diplomats from the country, including Canada's Charge d'Affaires, giving them until October 19 to depart. Reports indicate that Canada has also expelled six Indian diplomats, including the Indian High Commissioner in Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma. The escalating tensions mark a significant deterioration in India-Canada relations, with both countries downgrading diplomatic ties in a tit-for-tat move.