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India-Canada Relations Hit Historic Low as Both Nations Expel Diplomats Amid Assassination Allegations
India and Canada have each expelled six diplomats amid escalating tensions after Canada accused India of involvement in Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-16
India-Canada Relations Hit Historic Low as Both Nations Expel Diplomats Amid Assassination Allegations

India-Canada relations have reached a historic low following the expulsion of six diplomats from each country, triggered by Canada's accusations that the Indian government was involved in the murder of prominent Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.

 

In a press conference, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted that Indian diplomats were allegedly gathering intelligence on Canadian citizens and collaborating with organized crime syndicates, specifically implicating the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating the murder, linking Bishnoi’s gang to India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

 

Bishnoi, currently imprisoned in Gujarat, India, first gained notoriety when his gang was connected to the killing of popular Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022. More recently, Bishnoi's group claimed responsibility for the murder of Mumbai politician Baba Siddique, further entrenching his name in the criminal underworld.

 

Bishnoi’s rise from a well-off Punjab family to a feared gangster showcases the complex interplay of crime and identity in India. He has built a crime syndicate with influence beyond India's borders, including ties to criminal elements in Canada and the US.

 

The allegations made by Canada against India have not only intensified the diplomatic crisis but also raised serious concerns about India's global reputation. Analysts suggest that these accusations, particularly involving senior diplomats, could have lasting impacts on India's standing in international affairs.

 

Historically, the issue of Sikh separatism has been a contentious topic in India-Canada relations, dating back to the Air India bombing in 1985, which killed 329 people. While the Khalistan movement has lost momentum in India, it has found some traction within Sikh diaspora communities in Canada, complicating relations further.

 

Despite Canada’s serious allegations, India has categorically denied any involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, calling the claims "preposterous" and demanding evidence from Ottawa. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Canada’s actions appear to be a deliberate smear campaign against India for political leverage.

 

This escalating crisis has led to heightened security concerns for Indian diplomats in Canada, prompting discussions about the deteriorating nature of bilateral relations. Experts note that Canada is increasingly viewed by India as a host to extremism and Sikh separatist activities, likening the situation to India’s historically fraught relationship with Pakistan.

 
Tagged:

india

Canada

DiplomaticRelations

SikhSeparatism

LawrenceBishnoi
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