Tue Oct 15 11:50:21 UTC 2024: ## Diplomatic Crisis Escalates as India and Canada Expel Ambassadors

**OTTAWA, CANADA -** In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, India and Canada have expelled each other’s ambassadors, accusing each other of “fundamental errors” in the ongoing investigation into the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil last year.

Canada, citing evidence gathered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), alleges that six Indian officials were involved in “criminal activities” linked to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist, in June 2023. The RCMP claims these officials collaborated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, known for its involvement in organized crime, to target the South Asian community in Canada, specifically “pro-Khalistani elements.”

Following these accusations, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the acting High Commissioner. India, in response, expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the chargé d’affaires, calling Canada’s allegations “preposterous imputations” and accusing them of “concocting allegations” for political expediency.

The expulsion of ambassadors represents a significant escalation of the already strained relations between the two countries. Canada has also paused trade talks with India and withdrawn 41 diplomats from the country in the past year.

The Indian government maintains that it has shared no evidence with Canadian investigators and has accused Canada of “sabotaging bilateral ties” for political gain.

Both countries have expressed concerns about the potential for further escalations and called for a peaceful resolution. However, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, the future of India-Canada relations remains uncertain.

Read More