Tue Nov 05 07:38:29 UTC 2024: ## India-Canada Relations Sour as Tensions Rise Over Alleged Surveillance of Indian Diplomats
**New Delhi, India -** Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have taken a sharp downturn, with India accusing Canada of “a pattern of making allegations without any basis” and engaging in the “unacceptable” surveillance of Indian diplomats.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at an event in Pune, Maharashtra, stated that Canada has been providing a platform for extremist forces and has repeatedly ignored India’s concerns regarding organized crime. These remarks come amidst a growing dispute over the alleged involvement of Indian nationals in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist, in Canada.
The conflict escalated last week when Canada designated India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, as a person of interest in the Nijjar murder investigation. In response, India recalled Verma and five other diplomats, and subsequently expelled six Canadian diplomats from the country.
Further escalating the situation, Canada has hinted at potential sanctions against India.
India has consistently maintained that it will take a firm stance whenever its national interests, integrity, and sovereignty are threatened.
The diplomatic fallout comes at a time when India and Canada are engaged in talks to strengthen trade ties and combat climate change. However, the recent developments have cast a shadow over these efforts.
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