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India-Canada relations deteriorate following diplomatic expulsions

India and Canada have expelled senior diplomats amid escalating tensions over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. Allegations of Indian government involvement in the assassination have been strongly denied by New Delhi, deepening the diplomatic rift between the two nations.

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Relations between India and Canada have reached a new low after both countries expelled senior diplomats in response to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada. The diplomatic rift has brought bilateral tensions to the forefront, with accusations of foreign interference and involvement in criminal activities deepening the divide.

The expulsions follow claims by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian government agents were linked to the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader and pro-Khalistan activist. The Indian government has categorically rejected these allegations, calling them “absurd.” Nijjar was labeled a terrorist by India for his involvement in advocating for a separate Sikh homeland.

The recent developments mark a significant decline in what has traditionally been a stable relationship. While there have been disagreements in the past, such as Canada’s criticism of India’s nuclear testing in the 1970s, the current diplomatic fallout is unprecedented. Both governments have taken the rare step of expelling their top diplomats, underscoring the seriousness of the dispute.

Canadian authorities have reported that members of the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada were approached by police due to credible threats linked to foreign agents. Canada, home to a significant Sikh population of around 770,000, has long been criticized by India for not curbing Khalistani activities within its borders. India accuses Ottawa of allowing these movements to persist despite longstanding concerns.

This issue comes at a politically sensitive time for Trudeau, who is facing declining approval ratings ahead of a general election in 2025. India’s foreign ministry has characterized Canada’s allegations as part of Trudeau’s political strategy, suggesting that domestic political considerations, particularly within the Sikh community, may be influencing his government’s stance.

Experts point to a deeper divide between the two countries, highlighting contrasting views on the Sikh separatist movement. While India views it as a security threat, Canada considers it an issue of free speech and peaceful activism. The growing tension has also revealed a disconnect over how to manage pro-Khalistan activities, with India taking an increasingly forceful approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Despite these challenges, the long-standing relationship between India and Canada, driven by trade, education, and people-to-people ties, has not been completely severed. Both countries continue to engage on other fronts, including bilateral trade, where India is Canada’s 10th-largest partner. However, with elections approaching in Canada and the current Indian government unwilling to make concessions on security concerns, the outlook for restoring high-level diplomatic ties remains uncertain.

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