Mon Oct 14 16:41:24 UTC 2024: ## India Recalls Top Envoy from Canada Amid Diplomatic Row Over Sikh Leader’s Killing

**OTTAWA, CANADA -** India has withdrawn its top envoy to Canada and other diplomats in a dramatic escalation of a diplomatic dispute over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in 2023. The move comes after India alleged that the Canadian government is investigating its diplomats as “persons of interest” in the ongoing probe into the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs accused Canada of “baseless targeting” of its diplomats and officials, citing a recent communication from Ottawa that labeled them as “persons of interest.” India has repeatedly denied any involvement in Nijjar’s death and challenged Canada to provide proof of their accusations.

“We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security,” the Indian government stated, emphasizing their decision to recall their top envoy and other officials from Canada.

The ministry also condemned Canada’s “preposterous imputations” and alleged that the Trudeau government is pursuing a “deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains.” India claimed that Canada has failed to provide any evidence despite repeated requests and accused the government of “consciously providing space to violent extremists and terrorists” to target Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.

The ongoing diplomatic row stems from the killing of Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader who advocated for an independent Khalistani state. India had designated him as a “terrorist” in 2020.

Canada’s relationship with India has been strained since last September when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada had “credible evidence” linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s assassination. The US also joined the allegations, accusing Indian agents of an attempted assassination plot against another Sikh separatist leader in New York in 2023.

The diplomatic crisis has raised concerns about the future of India’s ties with Canada and the US, especially as Western nations seek to forge closer partnerships with India to counter China’s growing influence.

The Canadian government has not yet publicly responded to India’s accusations or the withdrawal of its diplomats.

Read More