Mon Oct 14 19:02:21 UTC 2024: ## India Expels Six Canadian Diplomats Amidst Tensions Over Khalistani Terrorist Case
**NEW DELHI:** India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the Acting High Commissioner, in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries. The move comes after Canada accused Indian officials of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.
India has strongly refuted these allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Canada of pursuing a “political agenda.” The Indian government further stated that it has “no confidence in the current Canadian government’s commitment to security assurances” and has recalled its High Commissioner to India from Canada.
The expelled diplomats, including Stewart Ross Wheeler (Acting High Commissioner), Patrick Hebert (Deputy High Commissioner), and four other officials, have been ordered to leave India by October 19, 2024.
The latest development further strains already fraught relations between India and Canada. The two countries have been locked in a bitter dispute since last year when Canada accused India of being involved in the assassination of Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader living in Canada. India has vehemently denied any involvement and has demanded proof from the Canadian government.
Despite India’s repeated denials, Canada continues to push the allegations, without providing any evidence. This has fueled speculation that the Trudeau government is using the issue for political gain.
The expulsion of the diplomats is seen as a significant escalation by India, signaling its dissatisfaction with Canada’s actions and its unwillingness to back down in the face of unsubstantiated accusations. The move is likely to further strain relations between the two countries and could have significant ramifications for bilateral cooperation in various areas.
First Piper 