OTTAWA, Canada (Diya TV) — Tensions between Canada and India escalated dramatically following Canada’s public accusation that Indian diplomats were involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The dispute, which has seen both nations expel diplomats, centers around allegations that Indian officials have been covertly working with organized crime groups to target Sikh separatists in Canada, claims New Delhi strongly denies.
Canada’s accusations, first made public by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have created a diplomatic rift that shows no signs of easing. Trudeau accused India of facilitating Nijjar’s killing in June 2023, a crime Canadian authorities believe was orchestrated with assistance from Indian diplomats. Indian officials have consistently rejected these allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Canada of providing a safe haven for supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh state.
The murder of Nijjar, the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force, has become a flashpoint in the deteriorating relationship between the two countries. Nijjar, deemed a terrorist by India, was gunned down in his truck outside the Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia, sparking outrage among Canada’s Sikh community and raising concerns about foreign interference on Canadian soil. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have identified several individuals, including Indian diplomats, as “persons of interest” in the case.
In response to the allegations, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including India’s High Commissioner. India quickly retaliated, expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. The Indian government criticized Trudeau’s administration for what it describes as a politically motivated smear campaign, accusing Canada of failing to act on at least 26 longstanding extradition requests for individuals accused of terrorism dating back more than a decade.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, rejected the claims, stating, “It is strange that people we asked to be deported are being blamed for committing crimes in Canada.”
Despite the escalating rhetoric, U.S. officials have urged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called the allegations “extremely serious” and emphasized that the United States wants India to engage with Canada in the investigation. However, Miller reaffirmed that India remains an “incredibly strong partner” for the U.S., particularly in strategic areas like the Indo-Pacific region.
Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, praised the American response, calling it “strong.” She acknowledged that while the U.S. has voiced concerns, there are limits to how far it may go in supporting Canada, given the U.S. interest in expanding its relationship with India. “What’s important is that we, as allies, continue working together,” Hillman said.
Other members of the Five Eyes alliance, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, have also weighed in, albeit more cautiously. While they have expressed support for Canada’s judicial process, their statements have avoided directly condemning India, reflecting a careful balancing of diplomatic interests. Australia, for instance, emphasized respect for sovereignty and the rule of law, while New Zealand described the situation as “concerning” if proven true, stopping short of naming India directly.
The diplomatic fallout has strained Canada-India ties, which have long been complicated by the Khalistan issue. India has accused Canada of turning a blind eye to pro-Khalistan activists operating on its soil, who are believed to be behind the gravest act of aviation terrorism in North America after 9/11, while Canadian officials argue that they uphold free speech and have robust processes for dealing with allegations of extremism.
