In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, India has announced the withdrawal of its High Commissioner to Canada, along with other targeted diplomats and officials. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats in Canada is entirely unacceptable.
In a formal communication, the Canadian Chargé d’Affaires, Stewart Wheelers, was summoned by India’s Secretary (East) and informed of the Indian government’s concerns. The MEA highlighted that the actions of the Trudeau government, amidst an environment of extremism and violence, jeopardize the safety of Indian diplomats. As a result, India expressed a lack of faith in Canada’s ability to ensure their security.
The statement also reserved the right for India to take further measures in response to the Canadian government’s perceived support for extremism and violence against India.
In response, Wheelers stated that Canada possesses credible evidence linking agents of the Indian government to the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist. He urged India to investigate the allegations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two nations for the benefit of both countries and their citizens.
The diplomatic rift intensified after Canada identified the Indian High Commissioner as a “person of interest” in the investigation surrounding Nijjar’s death, leading the MEA to firmly reject these claims as politically motivated.
As tensions continue to mount, both countries are facing pressure to resolve the issue amicably while addressing the concerns raised on both sides.
