Mon Oct 14 16:41:40 UTC 2024: ## India Expels Six Canadian Diplomats in Retaliation for Khalistani Leader’s Murder Probe
**New Delhi, India** – In a dramatic escalation of tensions, India has ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats in retaliation for Canada’s involvement in the investigation of the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the diplomats, including the Acting High Commissioner, must leave India by 11:59 PM on October 19th.
This move follows India’s decision on Monday to recall its High Commissioner and other diplomats from Canada. The MEA had summoned the Canadian chargé d’affaires earlier that day and expressed strong disapproval of Canada’s actions, deeming them “unacceptable” and a threat to the safety of Indian diplomats.
The MEA statement accused the Canadian government of providing support to “extremism, violence, and separatism” against India. The statement highlighted that the Canadian government’s actions have jeopardized the safety of Indian diplomats and that there is no guarantee of their security in Canada.
The expelled diplomats are: Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hébert, First Secretary Marie Catherine Jolly, First Secretary Lane Ross David Trites, First Secretary Adam James Chupka, and First Secretary Paula Orjuela.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic row between India and Canada, stemming from Canada’s investigation into the murder of Nijjar, a Khalistani leader, in British Columbia. India has alleged that Canada is interfering in its internal affairs and providing a platform for Sikh separatists seeking to create an independent Khalistan state.
First Piper 