Amid escalating tensions, India has summoned the Canadian ambassador and expelled a high-ranking Canadian diplomat, responding to Canada’s prior expulsion of India’s intelligence agency head, Pavan Kumar Rai, in Ottawa.
These diplomatic actions unfolded after allegations connecting the Indian government to the assassination of a Khalistani activist claims India vehemently denies as unfounded.
Furthermore, the White House has expressed “deep concern” over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertions linking Indian government agents to the June murder of a Khalistani leader in British Columbia.
The troubling incident involved Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeled a ‘terrorist’ by India, who was fatally shot near a Sikh temple in Surrey. Trudeau hinted at credible links between Nijjar’s murder and Indian government entities, sparking India’s ire.
This diplomatic standoff has exacerbated strained relations between Ottawa and New Delhi, inflamed during the G20 summit in Delhi, where Trudeau was present.
During a meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong concerns about ongoing anti-India activities in Canada.