In a significant escalation of their ongoing diplomatic dispute, India has expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrawn its ambassador from Canada on Monday. This move comes amid a fresh row between the two nations, as reported by various media outlets.
The tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa began in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader, near Vancouver in June. Nijjar's murder has been a point of contention, with Trudeau alleging direct involvement from Indian operatives.
India has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as \"absurd and motivated.\" The Indian government asserts that there is no evidence to support Trudeau's claims and views the accusations as an attempt to derail bilateral relations.
The aftermath of these allegations has seen a series of retaliatory actions, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats. This latest development marks a further deterioration in India-Canada relations, raising concerns about the future of their diplomatic and economic ties.
Experts suggest that the ongoing dispute could have broader implications for international diplomacy and the global community, highlighting the challenges of maintaining strong bilateral relationships amidst geopolitical tensions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
