India Expels Canadian Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions
India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, giving them until October 19 to leave the country. This decision came shortly after India summoned Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, Stewart Wheeler, to protest what it described as the unjust targeting of Indian diplomats in Canada.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the expulsion, which included Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, and four other diplomats. “They must depart by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024,” the MEA stated.
Earlier, India had withdrawn its own High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with other diplomats, citing safety concerns. The MEA expressed frustration with the Trudeau government’s handling of rising extremism and violence in Canada, which it believes is directed against Indian officials.
The MEA emphasized that targeting Indian diplomats is unacceptable. They also warned that further actions could follow if Canada continues to support what India sees as extremist and separatist activities. This diplomatic standoff intensified when Canadian authorities labeled Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in an ongoing investigation—a move India dismissed as politically motivated and without merit.
Since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made these allegations in September 2023, India has repeatedly requested evidence, but none has been provided, according to the MEA. The accusations stem from Canada’s claims that India was involved in the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India. India has consistently denied any involvement, calling the allegations absurd and politically driven.
India also criticized Canada for creating an environment where extremists could threaten and harass Indian diplomats. The MEA condemned Canada’s practice of fast-tracking citizenship for individuals with ties to illegal activities, further straining diplomatic relations.
India has long been frustrated by Canada’s failure to act on multiple extradition requests for criminals and terrorists. The MEA hinted that more diplomatic measures might follow, emphasizing the principle of reciprocity in its dealings with Canadian officials.
Relations between India and Canada have worsened since Trudeau’s public accusation last year, with India calling his claims baseless and accusing Canada of giving safe harbor to extremist groups.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by ANN Media, except for the headline.)
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