Canada warns India diplomats amid safety concerns for Canadians
- India's top envoy in Canada was identified as a person of interest in the assassination of a Sikh activist, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.
- Canada has expelled several Indian diplomats and expressed a commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens against alleged transnational repression.
- The incident marks a significant deterioration in Canada-India relations, with ongoing disputes about foreign involvement in domestic affairs.
The recent diplomatic tensions between Canada and India escalated when India's top envoy was named a person of interest in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18, 2023, in Canada. Following this, Canada’s foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, declared that remaining Indian diplomats are under scrutiny and must refrain from actions that threaten Canadian lives. This was highlighted in Montreal, where she underscored that Canada cannot tolerate such levels of foreign interference. The controversy erupted after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made public allegations that Indian diplomats were involved in sharing information about Sikh separatists with the Indian government. As a result, Canada expelled its high commissioner and several diplomats, provoking retaliation from India, which also expelled Canadian diplomats. This back-and-forth signals a significant diplomatic rift, with accusations of transnational repression similar to actions historically taken by Russia in other Western nations. Beyond Canada, the implications of these diplomatic moves extend into the U.S., where an Indian government employee faces charges related to a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist in New York. This adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of India’s activities abroad, particularly regarding its stance against the Khalistan movement, heavily supported within the Sikh diaspora. The deteriorating relations come amid a backdrop of repeated Indian government claims that Canada has been lax in dealing with Sikh separatists, prompting discussions between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Modi about balancing free speech in Canada against concerns for national security. This complex interaction illustrates the challenges Canada faces as it navigates issues of diplomacy, security, and human rights.