In a significant diplomatic escalation, India has withdrawn its High Commissioner and a number of diplomats from Canada, citing serious security concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the decision, asserting that the actions of the Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have compromised the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel.
The Indian government has taken a decisive step to withdraw its High Commissioner and several other diplomats from Canada. This action comes in response to what India perceives as an increasingly hostile and unsafe environment for its diplomatic staff, exacerbated by recent developments and allegations made by the Canadian government.
The MEA’s announcement highlighted that the safety of Indian diplomats had been jeopardized due to the Canadian government’s actions. “The environment in Canada has become conducive to a level of hostility and violence that we find unacceptable,” the MEA stated. Consequently, six Canadian diplomats were also ordered to leave India by October 19.
The diplomatic strain between the two countries has intensified following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations implicating India in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani separatist leader. Nijjar was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, in June. Trudeau claimed that there were “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s death, a charge that India has vehemently denied.
The Indian government has rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd and motivated.” In a statement, the MEA emphasized that such unfounded accusations have strained bilateral relations and created an unsafe working environment for Indian diplomats in Canada. “The protection and safety of our diplomats is paramount,” the statement read.
In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, who have been given until October 19 to leave the country. This move is seen as a direct response to the perceived threat to Indian diplomats and as a message to the Canadian government regarding its handling of the situation.
The withdrawal of diplomats and the expulsion of Canadian officials mark a new low in India-Canada relations. This diplomatic fallout may have broader implications for bilateral trade, people-to-people ties, and international collaboration. Both nations have historically shared a cordial relationship, with substantial Indian diaspora in Canada and robust trade connections.
The situation remains tense as both countries navigate this diplomatic crisis. Observers are keenly watching how the Trudeau government will respond and what steps will be taken to de-escalate the situation. The protection of diplomatic personnel and the maintenance of international diplomatic norms remain critical concerns amid this ongoing dispute.
