In a shocking move, 41 Canadian diplomats have been ushered out of India following the escalating dispute sparked by the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The drama unfolds as New Delhi’s firm stance made Ottawa recall its representatives.

The Deepening India-Canada Crisis

Earlier this month, New Delhi sternly requested Ottawa to withdraw a significant number of its diplomats. With a clear message, India warned it would strip these diplomats of their immunity had they chosen to stay. This bold step demonstrates the strain in India-Canada ties, especially after Canada pointed fingers at India for the 18 June assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – an allegation India vehemently rejects as preposterous.

Adding fuel to the fire, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the sudden exit, stating the reason behind this drastic step. Joly asserted, “India has formally conveyed its plan to unethically remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by October 20… Canadians watching may be wondering what this means for our operations in India. There’s no question that India’s decision will impact the levels of services to Consulates in both countries.” This move has also led to the suspension of in-person consular services in prominent Indian cities like Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

India’s Response and the Underlying Issues

Last month, amidst the spiraling accusations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the issue. After Canada sought India’s assistance in investigating Nijjar’s killing, Jaishankar, while in New York, asserted India’s willingness to scrutinize any evidence put forth by Canada.

Jaishankar didn’t mince words while highlighting the lack of action by Canada in light of the continuous attacks by Khalistani separatists on Indian consulates. He voiced India’s concerns, noting, *”We have given them loads of information about organized crime leadership which operates out of Canada.”* He further added, *”We have a situation where actually our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have been attacked and often comments are made (that are) interference in our politics.”*

This ongoing drama between the two nations, underscored by the exit of 41 Canadian diplomats, reveals the fragile nature of diplomatic ties and the immense power of underlying controversies.

  Canada, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India, Justin Trudeau, Khalistan, Melanie Joly, S Jaishankar