New Delhi: India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler, amid growing tensions over alleged threats to Indian officials in Canada. The diplomats must leave by October 19. India summoned Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, accusing the Trudeau government of supporting extremism and separatism, compromising the safety of Indian diplomats. This action follows escalating tensions after Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of a Khalistani leader, claims that India has repeatedly denied, reports the ANI.
India stressed its right to take further action if necessary. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the Trudeau government has endangered Indian officials by allowing extremist groups to operate freely, leading to threats and intimidation of diplomats and community leaders. India is also withdrawing its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, citing a lack of trust in Canada’s ability to ensure their safety.
The diplomatic row follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unsubstantiated claims in September 2023 that linked India to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist shot dead in Canada last year. India has vehemently denied these allegations, accusing Trudeau of fueling political tensions for electoral gains. India criticized Trudeau’s government for harboring extremist elements, including those involved in organized crime, and disregarding multiple extradition requests.
The diplomatic stand-off has reached a critical point, with India reserving its right to take further measures if necessary, as it continues to call out Canada’s support for separatist activities that target Indian unity and security.
