Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing row: India Asks Canada To Withdraw Dozens Of Diplomats
In a dramatic turn of events, diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have reached a boiling point, with both nations locking horns over allegations and diplomatic staff numbers. The saga began with the tragic killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, but it has since spiraled into a complex web of accusations and demands.
Unequal Diplomatic Presence
One of the key issues at the heart of this dispute is the unequal diplomatic presence between the two nations. India currently maintains around 30 diplomats in Canada, while Canada reportedly boasts nearly three times that number in India. This imbalance has not gone unnoticed, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs in India to call for a recalibration.
A Bold Demand
India has made a bold demand, urging Canada to either reduce the number of Canadian diplomats in India or establish an equal number of Indian diplomats in Canada. This request was conveyed in response to concerns over Canada's alleged interference in India's internal affairs and their purported involvement in anti-India activities.
Expulsions and Accusations
The diplomatic rift escalated when India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat based in India, giving them just five days to leave the country. This move was a response to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stirred the pot further when he accused India of being linked to Nijjar's murder. He stated, "Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar."
India's Rejection
India vehemently rejected these allegations, deeming them "absurd and motivated." The Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement, saying, "Allegations of the Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated." They also highlighted that similar allegations had been made earlier and were completely dismissed.
The Diplomatic Exodus
In response to India's demands, Canada has been instructed to repatriate approximately 40 diplomats by October 10. There have even been suggestions that India might revoke the diplomatic immunity of any diplomats who remain beyond this deadline. Canada, with its larger consular section in India, has been asked to reduce its diplomatic presence to achieve parity.
This move has the potential to further exacerbate the ongoing crisis, putting Justin Trudeau in a challenging position as he navigates pressure from home while seeking support from Western allies in fostering relations with India.
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, initially sparked by the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have escalated into a full-blown diplomatic standoff. Accusations, expulsions, and demands for equal representation have characterized this tumultuous chapter in their bilateral relations. As both nations dig in their heels, the future of their diplomatic ties remains uncertain, with global implications for their respective alliances and regional dynamics.