In brief
The diplomatic feud between Canada and India has intensified after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed on Monday that the Indian government orchestrated murder and extortion within Canada's borders, further straining diplomatic ties. On Monday, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including India's High Commissioner, pointing to their role in an alleged criminal network targeting Canadian Sikhs. In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, marking a significant escalation in the tensions between once-friendly nations. The dispute originated when Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leader of a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was killed by three masked assailants. In September 2023, Trudeau informed lawmakers that Indian government agents were implicated in Nijjar's assassination, sparking strong denials from India. This confrontation has raised questions about the future of bilateral relations and the fate of Sikh separatist movements in Canada. The diplomatic rift continues to broaden as both countries grapple with the fallout of these accusations and expulsions, leaving relations in uncertain waters.
