Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Between Canada and India Amid Nijjar Controversy

Diplomatic relations between Canada and India worsened this week as both nations expelled diplomats in a retaliatory move. The ongoing tensions stem from last year’s allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who claimed India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani activist designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency. New Delhi has consistently dismissed the claims as “absurd” and “motivated,” leading to repeated clashes between the two countries.

Nijjar was gunned down outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June 2023, with Canadian authorities linking the killing to alleged “agents” of the Indian government. India, in turn, has criticized Canada for allowing extremist and anti-India elements to operate freely. The international community, including the United States, has urged India to cooperate with Canada’s ongoing investigation into the case.

This week, the controversy reignited after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed information about “criminal activity carried out by agents of the Government of India.” Duheme highlighted that law enforcement had uncovered numerous credible threats to life, specifically targeting pro-Khalistan individuals, adding to the already strained relations between Ottawa and New Delhi.

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