India and Canada have expelled each other’s ambassadors amid escalating diplomatic tensions following the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Arab News reported yesterday.
New Delhi withdrew six diplomats, including its High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, after Canada named him among “persons of interest” in the investigation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited “credible allegations” linking Indian intelligence to Nijjar’s killing, which occurred in June 2023 in Vancouver.
In retaliation, Canada expelled acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats, with Canadian police claiming evidence of Indian government involvement in serious crimes on Canadian soil. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen since 2015, had sought an independent Sikh state, Khalistan, and was wanted by India for alleged terrorism. Both nations have threatened further actions, with India accusing Canada of supporting extremism.
Canada is home to around 770,000 Sikhs, who make up about two percent of the country’s population, with a vocal minority calling for an independent state of Khalistan.
