India expels senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation: MEA statement
India Dismisses Prime Minister Trudeau's Suggestion of Link Between Government Agents and Khalistani Terrorist's Death as Baseless.
The Government of India has instructed a senior Canadian diplomat to vacate the country in response to assertions made by Canada. This reaction comes from Canada’s decision to expel an Indian official on the grounds of a purported ‘potential’ association connecting the Indian government with the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. The pivotal decision by the Indian government is projected to send strong signals of defiance against the interference of foreign entities in the nation’s internal affairs.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, summoning the Canadian High Commissioner to India and conveying the critical decision:
“The High Commissioner of Canada to India was summoned today and informed about the decision of the Government of India to expel a senior Canadian diplomat based in India. The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days. The decision reflects Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.”
Deepening Strain in Bilateral relationships
Adding to the dramatic diplomatic events of the day, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly declared the expulsion of a “senior Indian diplomat” from Canada, soon after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s parliamentary comments, insinuating a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the killing of the Khalistani terrorist. Consequently, India, refuted the assertion categorically as ‘baseless’.
These developments indicate escalating tensions between the two countries. It’s worth noting that Canada has a considerable Sikh populace, with over 770,000 individuals making up almost 2% of its entire population.
“If proven true this would be a great violation of our sovereignty and of the most basic rule of how countries deal with each other,” Joly said. “As a consequence we have expelled a top Indian diplomat.”
High-Level Diplomatic Talks Going On
To ease things and address the allegations, Canada’s National Security Advisor and the Director of the Canadian Intelligence Agency have embarked on a trip to India. The aim is to hold discussions with Indian intelligence agencies and present viable evidence supporting their claims. Meanwhile, the Indian government remains resolute on its stand, underscoring its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its internal matters.
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