India has withdrawn its top diplomat from Ottawa as the diplomatic clash with Canada escalates following the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in 2023.
India-Canada Diplomatic Strain Intensifies Amid Sikh Leader's Killing
India-Canada Diplomatic Strain Intensifies Amid Sikh Leader's Killing
India recalls its top diplomat from Canada as tensions rise over the assassination of a Sikh leader in Canada in 2023.
In a move reflecting heightened diplomatic tensions, India has decided to recall its top diplomat and several other officials from Canada. This development follows the identification of Indian diplomats as persons of interest by Canadian authorities investigating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in British Columbia in June last year. The incident has fueled an ongoing dispute between the two nations, with the Canadian government alleging Indian involvement in the killing—a claim strongly denied by India.
In response to these developments, the Indian Foreign Ministry released a statement citing concerns over "an atmosphere of extremism and violence" in Canada, which it claims jeopardizes the safety of its diplomatic staff. Despite these tensions, the Canadian government has yet to issue a statement regarding India's decision. The growing discord between the nations is further complicated by the sizable Sikh community in Canada, which India accuses of supporting a secessionist movement. Meanwhile, the Indian government has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of courting political favor with Sikh constituents, adding another layer of complexity to the strained relationship.
In response to these developments, the Indian Foreign Ministry released a statement citing concerns over "an atmosphere of extremism and violence" in Canada, which it claims jeopardizes the safety of its diplomatic staff. Despite these tensions, the Canadian government has yet to issue a statement regarding India's decision. The growing discord between the nations is further complicated by the sizable Sikh community in Canada, which India accuses of supporting a secessionist movement. Meanwhile, the Indian government has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of courting political favor with Sikh constituents, adding another layer of complexity to the strained relationship.
