Canada expels Indian diplomats in Sikh leader killing probe

TORONTO: In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats after a police investigation revealed a “campaign of violence,” Canadian official sources told media.

In retaliation, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that it had expelled six Canadian diplomats, giving them until Saturday to leave the country.

It has named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and several other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Najjar, a Sikh leader and Canadian citizen.

Relations between Canada and India have been strained since September 2023, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was credible evidence linking Indian agents to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Najjar on Canadian soil earlier that year. are

Hardeep Singh Najjar, an advocate of an independent Khalistani state, was designated a “terrorist” by India in July 2020. Since his murder, India has consistently denied involvement and has challenged Canada to provide evidence to support its claims.

In a recent press conference, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Michael Duheim said police had uncovered extensive information about criminal activities involving agents of the Indian government, posing serious threats to the safety of Canadians and Canadian residents. are followed.

On Monday, the Indian foreign ministry summoned the Canadian charge d’affaires to express its condemnation of what it called the “completely unacceptable” and “unfounded targeting” of the Indian high commissioner and other diplomats.