Canada expelled six Indian diplomats as fallout continues from the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Foreign Minister of Canada (Melanie Joly) has warned the remaining Indian diplomats in Canada, stating they must not put Canadian lives in danger. This warning came after a high-ranking Indian diplomat was linked to the assassination of a Sikh activist. Due to this, Canada expelled the high Indian commissioner and five other diplomats.
The foreign minister compared India's actions with those of Russia. Stating that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has connected Indian diplomats to series crimes like murder and intimidation in Canada. Joly emphasized that Canada will not tolerate any foreign diplomats who threaten the safety of Canadians.
Justin Trudeau ( Prime Minister of Canada) and the Police of Canada have sued Indian diplomats for sharing details about Sikh separatists in Canada with the Indian Government. Which may have caused attacks on these activists. The Indian Government has called these accusations foolish and has expelled acting commissioners and other diplomats of Canada.
The murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 has caused an increase in tension between India and Canada. Canada stated that they have given evidence of this case to Indian authorities, but the Indian government continues to deny it has seen any.
India has criticized the Canadian government many times for being soft on Khalistan movements. Which is banned in India but has support among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, asked him to arrest people who have been outspoken against the Indian government at a G-20 summit in India last year. Justin Trudeau replied that free speech is protected in Canada.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot in June 2023 , in his pickup truck. He has a plumbing business and was leader of once-strong movement to create an independent homeland for Sikhs(Khalistan).
Four Indian nationals were charged with Nijjar's murder and are awaten trial.