Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized India on Monday, accusing it of making a “fundamental error” as tensions rose over the murder of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil last year. This diplomatic dispute saw both nations expel each other’s ambassadors.
At a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau condemned India’s actions as “unacceptable.” The expulsions followed the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with Trudeau alleging credible links between Indian intelligence services and the murder. In response, both countries have engaged in a series of diplomatic expulsions.
Trudeau stated, “India made a fundamental error in supporting criminal acts on Canadian soil, whether it be murders, extortion, or violence.” He emphasized that Canada would not tolerate foreign governments threatening Canadian citizens, calling it a serious violation of sovereignty and international law.
The expulsions occurred after New Delhi named Canada’s High Commissioner among “persons of interest” in Nijjar’s death. India expelled Ottawa’s acting High Commissioner, his deputy, and four other diplomats, ordering their departure by Sunday night.
Canada reciprocated with similar measures, citing evidence linking Indian government agents to criminal activities within Canada. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that India refused to cooperate with the investigation or waive diplomatic immunity for its envoys. She added that the RCMP had identified six individuals of interest after collecting substantial evidence.
Nijjar, who immigrated to Canada in 1997 and gained citizenship in 2015, advocated for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan. He was wanted by India for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to murder. Four Indian nationals were arrested following his killing in a Vancouver Sikh temple parking lot in June 2023.
India dismissed allegations of involvement as “preposterous,” asserting they were politically motivated. The Indian foreign ministry noted its “no faith” in Canada’s commitment to securing the expelled diplomats, and reiterated that India reserved the right to take further actions if necessary.
Meanwhile, the Canadian envoy to India, Stewart Wheeler, confirmed that Ottawa provided “credible, irrefutable evidence” of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the two nations.
Canada’s sizable Sikh population, about 770,000 strong, includes a vocal minority advocating for Khalistan. The World Sikh Organisation claimed that India’s interference in Canada has long targeted Sikhs, even though it has only recently gained widespread attention. Similar allegations surfaced in November 2023 when the U.S. charged an Indian citizen with plotting an assassination in the U.S., reportedly involving an Indian official.
