A severe diplomatic crisis has erupted between India and Canada, with New Delhi withdrawing its High Commissioner and several diplomats citing safety concerns and rejecting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unsubstantiated allegations linking Indian agents to a Canadian citizen’s murder.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Canada’s Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler to convey India’s strong objections to Trudeau’s claims, which were deemed “baseless” and “politically motivated.” The MEA emphasized that Canada’s investigation was compromised by extremism and violence, endangering the safety of Indian diplomats.
In response, Canada claimed to have provided “credible, irrefutable evidence” of ties between Indian agents and the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist. However, India dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “preposterous imputations” driven by vote bank politics.
The MEA highlighted Trudeau’s history of anti-India rhetoric, citing his 2018 visit to India and his cabinet’s ties to separatist elements. India also expelled six Canadian diplomats, signaling a significant downturn in bilateral relations.
The diplomatic standoff has sparked concerns about regional stability and global implications. As tensions continue to rise, experts urge caution and diplomatic resolution.