A diplomatic dispute has arisen between Canada and India, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats from both countries and allegations of supporting terrorism being exchanged. The crisis was sparked by the killing of a pro-Khalistan separatist leader on Canadian soil, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blamed on the Indian government.
The victim, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot dead outside his home in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. He was a prominent member of the banned Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a separate Sikh state in India’s Punjab region. India has long accused Canada of harboring and aiding Khalistani militants, who have carried out several deadly attacks in India in the past.
Trudeau said that he had received “credible evidence” from Canadian intelligence agencies that the Indian government was behind the assassination of Bhangu. He called it a “brazen act of state-sponsored terrorism” and a “violation of Canada’s sovereignty and security”. He announced that he had ordered the expulsion of four Indian diplomats from Canada and the suspension of all bilateral talks with India.
India strongly denied any involvement in the killing and condemned Trudeau’s remarks as “baseless and irresponsible”. It said that it was a “clear case of Canadian authorities failing to prevent and prosecute acts of terrorism on their soil”. It retaliated by expelling four Canadian diplomats from India and accusing Canada of interfering in its internal affairs.
The Indian World Forum (IWF), a global organization of the Indian diaspora, also issued a press release on Wednesday, expressing its condemnation of the unlawful activities of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other Khalistani groups in Canada. The IWF said that these groups have been targeting the Indian diaspora and their places of worship in Canada, as well as Indian diplomatic missions and personnel in other countries. The IWF urged the Canadian government to take action against these “nefarious elements” and protect the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora.
The IWF also highlighted the significant economic and social contributions of the Indian diaspora to Canadian society, emphasizing that individuals from various religious backgrounds, including Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, have played a vital role in the progress of Canada. The IWF stated the importance of preserving the friendly and cordial relations between Canada and India, which are based on shared values and interests.
The diplomatic row between Canada and India has raised concerns over the future of their bilateral ties, which have been strained in recent years over various issues, such as trade disputes, human rights, and regional security. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth and have close cooperation in various fields, such as education, energy, science, and technology. However, analysts say that the current crisis could jeopardize their strategic partnership and undermine their mutual trust.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
