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{{Short description|Canadian-Indian diplomatic incident}} {{Short description|Canadian-Indian diplomatic incident}}
{{For|overall relationship between Canada and India|Canada–India relations}}
There has been a major diplomatic dispute ] since September 2023, arising from Canada's allegations that India played a role in the assassination of ] on Canadian soil in June 2023.<ref name="CBC1023">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-23 |title=Tensions are high between Canada and India. Here’s why |url=https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/tensions-are-high-between-canada-and-india-heres-why |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=CBC |language=en |quote="Trudeau accused India’s government of potentially being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar..The tensions are also fuelled by a larger disagreement over how Canada deals with supporters of the Khalistan movement. Indian officials have been concerned for a very long time that there are active advocates of an independent Khalistan homeland who reside in Canada" }}</ref><ref name= "CNN0920">{{cite news |last1=Mogul |first1=Rhea |title=Canada and India are enmeshed in an unprecedented diplomatic row. Here's how it happened |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/20/india/india-canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-explained-intl-hnk/index.html |work=CNN |date=20 September 2023 |language=en| quote="allegation from Canada that the Indian government may have been behind the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil has triggered a huge diplomatic row"}}</ref> Tensions have been fueled by disagreements over the ] separatist ] and its supporters.<ref name="CBC1023"/><ref name="ALJ0927">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-27 |title=What is the Khalistan movement? How is it linked to India-Canada tensions?|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/what-is-the-khalistan-movement-how-is-it-linked-to-india-canada-tensions |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=aljazeera |language=en |quote=A row between India and Canada surrounding Sikh independence, commonly referred to as the Khalistan movement, continues to cause tensions.. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in June in British Columbia state. }}</ref> In 2023, both countries expelled members of each other's diplomatic staff and advised their citizens against traveling to the other; Canada closed three consulates in India. In October 2024, Canada expelled Sanjay Kumar Verma, the ] to Canada, along with five other diplomats. India retaliated with six expulsions of its own.
{{use British English|date=October 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}

The '''Canada–India diplomatic row'''<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Timeline">{{cite news |title=Nijjar's killing to Trudeau's allegations: A timeline of how the India-Canada diplomatic row escalated |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nijjars-killing-to-trudeaus-allegations-a-timeline-of-how-the-india-canada-diplomatic-row-escalated/3250567/ |work=Financial Express |date=21 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Livemint">{{cite news |title=India-Canada row: Diplomatic standoff continues over Nijjar killing {{!}} 10 points |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indiacanada-row-diplomatic-standoff-continues-experts-say-relationship-in-deep-crisis-10-points/amp-11699255375049.html |work=Livemint |date=6 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> is a ] dispute ] that started in September 2023, with periodic escalation throughout the following year. While the diplomatic row was initially triggered due to Canadian Prime Minister ]'s allegations that the ] was involved in the assassination of ], the ongoing tensions between India and Canada have been largely fuelled by disagreements over the ] separatist ] and its active supporters.<ref name="CBC1023">{{Cite news |date=23 October 2023 |title=Tensions are high between Canada and India. Here's why |url=https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/tensions-are-high-between-canada-and-india-heres-why |work=CBC |language=en |quote="Trudeau accused India’s government of potentially being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar..The tensions are also fuelled by a larger disagreement over how Canada deals with supporters of the Khalistan movement. Indian officials have been concerned for a very long time that there are active advocates of an independent Khalistan homeland who reside in Canada" }}</ref><ref name="ALJ0927">{{Cite news |last=Duggal |first=Hanna |last2=Chughtai |first2=Alia |date=27 September 2023 |title=What is the Khalistan movement? How is it linked to India-Canada tensions? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/what-is-the-khalistan-movement-how-is-it-linked-to-india-canada-tensions |work=Al Jazeera |language=en |quote="A row between India and Canada surrounding Sikh independence, commonly referred to as the Khalistan movement, continues to cause tensions.. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in June in British Columbia state."}}</ref>

This led to a prolonged ] between the countries.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mogul|first1=Rhea|last2=Newton|first2=Paula|title=India expels Canadian diplomat in tit-for-tat move as row over assassinated Sikh activist deepens|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/americas/canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-india-intl/index.html|work=]|access-date=19 September 2023|date=18 September 2023|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918214822/https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/americas/canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-india-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=23 October 2023|title=Tensions are high between Canada and India. Here's why|url=https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/tensions-are-high-between-canada-and-india-heres-why|work=CBC|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231142334/https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/tensions-are-high-between-canada-and-india-heres-why/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Landale |first=James |author-link=James Landale |date=19 September 2023 |title=Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Why Western nations fear India-Canada row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66856568 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617094115/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66856568 |archive-date=17 June 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref> Both the countries expelled diplomatic staff, claiming interference in the other's internal affairs.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last=Rana |first=Uday |date=19 September 2023 |title=Canada has expelled a 'top' Indian diplomat. Who is Pavan Kumar Rai? |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9971043/canada-has-expelled-a-top-indian-diplomat-who-is-pavan-kumar-rai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119004924/https://globalnews.ca/news/9971043/canada-has-expelled-a-top-indian-diplomat-who-is-pavan-kumar-rai/ |archive-date=19 January 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=Global News}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Pathi |first=Krutika |last2=Gillies |first2=Rob |date=19 September 2023 |title=India expels Canadian diplomat, escalating tensions after Trudeau accuses India in Sikh's killing |url=https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-sikh-diplomat-trudeau-modi-3c5572d9027769ea6adbd047ec6f462a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919215637/https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-sikh-diplomat-trudeau-modi-3c5572d9027769ea6adbd047ec6f462a |archive-date=19 September 2023 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=AP News}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|title=In tit-for-tat move, India asks Canada diplomat to leave country in 5 days|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-after-india-envoy-expelled-in-sikh-killing-row|work=]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=22 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922014252/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-after-india-envoy-expelled-in-sikh-killing-row|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, both countries expelled members of each other's diplomatic staff and advised their citizens against traveling to the other; Canada closed three consulates in India. In October 2024, Canada expelled Sanjay Kumar Verma, the ] to Canada, along with five other diplomats. India retaliated with six expulsions of its own.

Leaders of various nations released statements expressing concern on the stand-off.<ref name=":6">{{cite news|title='Deeply Concerned': US, UK & Australia React After Canada Accuses India Of Killing Khalistani Leader Nijjar|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/deeply-concerned-us-uk-australia-react-after-canada-accuses-india-of-killing-khalistani-leader-nijjar|work=Free Press Journal|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614102121/https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/deeply-concerned-us-uk-australia-react-after-canada-accuses-india-of-killing-khalistani-leader-nijjar|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{cite news |date=21 October 2023 |title=After U.K., U.S. expresses concern over departure of Canadian diplomats from India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uk-us-express-concern-over-canadian-diplomats-departure-from-india/article67447385.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304083608/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uk-us-express-concern-over-canadian-diplomats-departure-from-india/article67447385.ece |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |newspaper=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Kanishka|last2=Pitas|first2=Costas|title=US and UK back Canada in dispute with India over diplomats|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-backs-canada-dispute-with-india-over-diplomats-2023-10-20/|work=]|date=21 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=7 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107020309/https://www.reuters.com/world/us-backs-canada-dispute-with-india-over-diplomats-2023-10-20/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Haidar|first1=Suhasini|title=After U.S., U.K., Australia, Five eyes member New Zealand too criticises India on order expelling Canadian diplomats|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-us-uk-australia-five-eyes-member-new-zealand-too-criticises-india-on-order-expelling-canadian-diplomats/article67459393.ece|newspaper=]|date=26 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323131414/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-us-uk-australia-five-eyes-member-new-zealand-too-criticises-india-on-order-expelling-canadian-diplomats/article67459393.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Background== ==Background==
{{further|Khalistan movement|2023 Sikh protests|Hardeep Singh Nijjar}}
{{Expand section|date=October 2024}}
Canada has the largest ].<ref name="19 Sep NYT">{{cite news |last1=Mashal |first1=Mujib |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |last3=Raj |first3=Suhasini |title=Canada’s Startling Claim Punctuates Tension With India Over Separatists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/19/world/asia/trudeau-canada-india-separatists.html |work=The New York Times |date=19 September 2023}}</ref> In March 2023, Canada's High Commissioner was summoned by India to "convey strong concern" over ] in Canada and the security breach of India's diplomatic mission and consulates.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2023|title=India summons Canada High Commissioner, concerned over anti india protesters|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-summons-canada-high-commissioner-concerned-over-sikh-protesters-2023-03-26/|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123101720/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-summons-canada-high-commissioner-concerned-over-sikh-protesters-2023-03-26/|url-status=live}}</ref> The tensions between the countries were fueled by disagreements over the separatist Khalistan movement and its active supporters.<ref>{{cite news|date=27 September 2023|title=What is the Khalistan movement? How is it linked to India-Canada tensions?|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/what-is-the-khalistan-movement-how-is-it-linked-to-india-canada-tensions|work=]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=1 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601034936/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/what-is-the-khalistan-movement-how-is-it-linked-to-india-canada-tensions|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2023, during the ] in New Delhi, Canada and India did not have a one-on-one meeting but instead met on the sidelines. While the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed concerns about the protests in Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Modi scolds Trudeau over Sikh protests in Canada against India|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/aircraft-glitch-delays-canada-pm-trudeaus-departure-india-2023-09-10/|work=]|date=11 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=7 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207200819/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/aircraft-glitch-delays-canada-pm-trudeaus-departure-india-2023-09-10/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tasker|first1=John Paul|title=Trudeau accuses India's government of involvement in killing of Canadian Sikh leader|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-indian-government-nijjar-1.6970498|work=CBC News|access-date=1 October 2024|date=19 September 2023|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919041846/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-indian-government-nijjar-1.6970498|url-status=live}}</ref>


Canada has the largest ].<ref name="19 Sep NYT">{{cite news |last1=Mashal |first1=Mujib |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |last3=Raj |first3=Suhasini |title=Canada's Startling Claim Punctuates Tension With India Over Separatists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/19/world/asia/trudeau-canada-india-separatists.html |work=The New York Times |date=19 September 2023}}</ref> ]s who number 770,000, account for nearly 2 percent of Canada's population.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pietsch |first1=Bryan |title=How Canada got caught up in the Sikh struggle in India |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/20/canada-india-tensions-sikh-population/ |newspaper=Washington Post |date=20 September 2023}}</ref> Some Sikhs living in Canada are prominent members of the ], which advocates for a separation from India to create an independent Sikh homeland.
== Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar ==


India has since increasingly accused Canada of giving free reign to Khalistani activists in Canada.<ref name=":0" />
In June 2023, ] was assassinated in Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nijjar's killing to Trudeau's allegations: A timeline of how the India-Canada diplomatic row escalated|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nijjars-killing-to-trudeaus-allegations-a-timeline-of-how-the-india-canada-diplomatic-row-escalated/3250567/|newspaper=]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=23 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023205216/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nijjars-killing-to-trudeaus-allegations-a-timeline-of-how-the-india-canada-diplomatic-row-escalated/3250567/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India-Canada row: Diplomatic standoff continues over Nijjar killing|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indiacanada-row-diplomatic-standoff-continues-experts-say-relationship-in-deep-crisis-10-points/amp-11699255375049.html|work=]|date=6 November 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323131416/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indiacanada-row-diplomatic-standoff-continues-experts-say-relationship-in-deep-crisis-10-points/amp-11699255375049.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 September 2023, in an address in the ], Trudeau informed that the Canadian security agencies were actively pursuing allegations of potential involvement of Government of India in the killing of Nijjar. He stated that he had presented the accusations directly to Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi and that Canada would not accept any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil while urging the Indian government to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Austen|first1=Ian|last2=Isai|first2=Vjosa|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/world/canada/canada-india-sikh-killing.html|title=Justin Trudeau Accuses India of a Killing on Canadian Soil|work=]|date=18 September 2023|access-date=19 September 2023|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919010329/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/world/canada/canada-india-sikh-killing.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ling|first1=Justin|title=Trudeau Says India Likely Behind Murder of Canadian Sikh Leader|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/09/19/canada-india-trudeau-modi-hardeep-singh-nijjar-assassination-sikh-leader/|work=Foreign Policy|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Trudeau accuses India's government of involvement in killing of Canadian Sikh leader|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-indian-government-nijjar-1.6970498|work=CBC News|date=18 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919041846/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-indian-government-nijjar-1.6970498|url-status=live}}</ref> India rejected Trudeau's allegations stating that the claims are "absurd and motivated", which had been conveyed by Modi to Trudeau earlier. It also stated that such allegations were a ploy to shift the focus from the Khalistani terrorists operating from Canada, who threaten India's sovereignty and urged Canada to take action against them.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rajesh|first1=Y. P.|last2=Dayal|first2=Sakshi|title=India rejects Canada's suspicions on role in Sikh leader's murder|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-dismisses-absurd-canadas-accusation-sikh-leaders-murder-2023-09-19/|work=]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921031528/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-dismisses-absurd-canadas-accusation-sikh-leaders-murder-2023-09-19/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Coletta|first1=Amanda|last2=Shih|first2=Gerry|last3=Mehrotra|first3=Karishma|title=India expels Canadian diplomat as dispute over alleged assassination escalates|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-sikh-assassination/|newspaper=]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919181643/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-sikh-assassination/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In March 2023, Canada's ] was summoned by India to convey strong concern over ] in Canada and the security breach of India's diplomatic mission and consulates.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2023|title=India summons Canada High Commissioner, concerned over anti india protesters|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-summons-canada-high-commissioner-concerned-over-sikh-protesters-2023-03-26/|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123101720/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-summons-canada-high-commissioner-concerned-over-sikh-protesters-2023-03-26/|url-status=live}}</ref>
This led to a prolonged ] between the countries.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mogul|first1=Rhea|last2=Newton|first2=Paula|title=India expels Canadian diplomat in tit-for-tat move as row over assassinated Sikh activist deepens|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/americas/canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-india-intl/index.html|work=]|access-date=19 September 2023|date=18 September 2023|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918214822/https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/18/americas/canada-hardeep-singh-nijjar-india-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=23 October 2023|title=Tensions are high between Canada and India. Here's why|url=https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/tensions-are-high-between-canada-and-india-heres-why|work=CBC|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231142334/https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/tensions-are-high-between-canada-and-india-heres-why/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Why Western nations fear India-Canada row|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66856568|work=]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617094115/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66856568|url-status=live}}</ref> Canada paused talks on a ] with India and announced the postponement of an October trade mission to India.<ref>{{cite news|title=In surprise move, Canada pauses talks on trade treaty with India|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-says-it-has-paused-talks-trade-treaty-with-india-2023-09-01/|work=]|date=1 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=27 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327173846/https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-says-it-has-paused-talks-trade-treaty-with-india-2023-09-01/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Canada hits pause on trade mission to India after tensions at G20 summit|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/15/canada-hits-pause-on-trade-mission-to-india-after-tensions-at-g20-summit|work=]|date=15 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=13 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713013654/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/15/canada-hits-pause-on-trade-mission-to-india-after-tensions-at-g20-summit|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the countries expelled diplomatic staff, claiming interference in the other's internal affairs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada has expelled a 'top' Indian diplomat. Who is Pavan Kumar Rai?|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9971043/canada-has-expelled-a-top-indian-diplomat-who-is-pavan-kumar-rai/|work=Global News|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=19 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119004924/https://globalnews.ca/news/9971043/canada-has-expelled-a-top-indian-diplomat-who-is-pavan-kumar-rai/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India expels Canadian diplomat, escalating tensions after Trudeau accuses India in Sikh's killing|url=https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-sikh-diplomat-trudeau-modi-3c5572d9027769ea6adbd047ec6f462a|work=AP News|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919215637/https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-sikh-diplomat-trudeau-modi-3c5572d9027769ea6adbd047ec6f462a|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=In tit-for-tat move, India asks Canada diplomat to leave country in 5 days|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-after-india-envoy-expelled-in-sikh-killing-row|work=]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=22 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922014252/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-after-india-envoy-expelled-in-sikh-killing-row|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 September 2023, India warned its citizens against traveling to Canada due to "growing anti-India activities" and Canadian minister ] responded saying "Canada is a safe country".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Thanthong-Knight|first1=Randy|title=India Strikes at Canada With Warning to Students, Immigrants|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-20/india-strikes-at-canada-with-warning-to-students-immigrants?srnd=premium&sref=CIpmV6x8|work=]|date=20 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Clement|title=India urges 'utmost caution' in Canada travel advisory as bilateral crisis escalates|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/india-travel-advisory-canada.html|work=]|date=20 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408204935/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/india-travel-advisory-canada.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India warns travellers to Canada of 'politically-condoned' violence as diplomatic row worsens|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-canada-travel-warning-1.6972377|work=CBC News|date=20 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=19 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119150623/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-canada-travel-warning-1.6972377|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Canada rejects Indian travel advisory amid probe of Sikh leader killing|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/20/canada-rejects-indian-travel-advisory-amid-probe-of-sikh-leader-killing|work=Al Jazeera|date=20 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=6 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506144025/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/20/canada-rejects-indian-travel-advisory-amid-probe-of-sikh-leader-killing|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 September 2023, India announced the temporary suspension of issuance of visas for all Canadian nationals due to "security threats" against its diplomats.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Raj|first1=Suhasini|last2=Zhuang|first2=Yan|title=India Suspends Visas for Canadians, Escalating Clash Over Sikh's Killing|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/world/asia/india-canada-visas.html|work=]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921102305/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/world/asia/india-canada-visas.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India suspends visas for Canadian nationals as diplomatic spat deepens|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/21/india/india-canada-travel-advisory-assassination-row-intl-hnk/index.html|work=]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715192821/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/21/india/india-canada-travel-advisory-assassination-row-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India suspends 'all categories' of visas for Canada citizens amid diplomatic row|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/india-suspends-visa-canada-citizens-relations-b2415652.html|work=]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518023924/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/india-suspends-visa-canada-citizens-relations-b2415652.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 September 2023, Canada updated its travel advisory for India, advising its citizens there to "exercise caution" due to "negative sentiment towards Canada".<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada warns its citizens to 'remain vigilant' in India travel advisory|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/canada-india-travel-advisory-nijjar-b2418527.html|work=]|date=26 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=13 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113130542/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/canada-india-travel-advisory-nijjar-b2418527.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Canada travel advisory to India updated to include protests, 'negative sentiments'|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-travel-advisory-to-india-updated-to-include-protests-negative-sentiments-1.6576352|work=CTVNews|date=25 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=25 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225072028/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-travel-advisory-to-india-updated-to-include-protests-negative-sentiments-1.6576352|url-status=live}}</ref> The Indian government claimed that Canada has not provided any evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's death.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why Canada is getting muted support from allies on allegation against India|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/21/why-canada-lacks-allies-support-on-claim-india-killed-hardeep-singh-nijjar|access-date=22 September 2023|work=]|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921230438/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/21/why-canada-lacks-allies-support-on-claim-india-killed-hardeep-singh-nijjar|url-status=live}}</ref> Canada has contended that it was provided intelligence on the same by US intelligence agencies.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnes|first1=Julian E.|last2=Austen|first2=Ian|date=23 September 2023|title=U.S. Provided Canada With Intelligence on Killing of Sikh Leader|work=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/us/politics/canada-sikh-leader-killing-intelligence.html|issn=0362-4331|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=6 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906174911/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/us/politics/canada-sikh-leader-killing-intelligence.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Concerns were voiced within Canada with members such as the Premier of British Columbia ] voicing out suspicion that the federal government is holding back information.<ref>{{cite news|title=B.C. Premier calls for federal transparency regarding Indian foreign interference|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9980237/eby-federal-indian-foreign-interference/#:~:text=British%20Columbia%20Premier%20David%20Eby,to%20India%20from%20foreign%20interference|work=Global News|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924014822/https://globalnews.ca/news/9980237/eby-federal-indian-foreign-interference/#:~:text=British%20Columbia%20Premier%20David%20Eby,to%20India%20from%20foreign%20interference|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=British Columbia Premier Calls Out Canada PM Trudeau For 'Holding Back' Info On Nijjar|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/british-columbia-premier-david-eby-calls-out-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-for-holding-back-info-on-hardeep-singh-nijjar-article-103898309|work=]|language=en|date=24 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134118/https://www.timesnownews.com/world/british-columbia-premier-david-eby-calls-out-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-for-holding-back-info-on-hardeep-singh-nijjar-article-103898309|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India-Canada tension: Info I got on Nijjar killing available on internet, frustrating, claims Canada leader|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/india-canada-tension-info-i-got-on-nijjar-killing-available-on-internet-frustrating-claims-canada-leader-399447-2023-09-23|work=]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134138/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/india-canada-tension-info-i-got-on-nijjar-killing-available-on-internet-frustrating-claims-canada-leader-399447-2023-09-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Balraj Singh, son of Hardeep Nijjar, said his father had been meeting with Canadian Security Intelligence Service officers before the murder and according to a report by '']'', Nijjar was suspected to be an asset for Canadian security services.<ref>{{cite news|title=India-Canada row: Hardeep Singh Nijjar met Canadian intelligence officers every week before death, says son|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/india-canada-row-hardeep-singh-nijjar-met-canadian-intelligence-officers-every-week-before-death-says-son/articleshow/104025615.cms?from=mdr|newspaper=]|date=28 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617212641/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/india-canada-row-hardeep-singh-nijjar-met-canadian-intelligence-officers-every-week-before-death-says-son/articleshow/104025615.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Khalistani extremist Nijjar was an 'asset of Canada's Intelligence Services'?|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-canada-row-khalistani-extremist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-was-an-asset-of-canada-s-intelligence-services-11695978172987.html|work=]|date=29 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=6 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206174933/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-canada-row-khalistani-extremist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-was-an-asset-of-canada-s-intelligence-services-11695978172987.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In June 2023, ] was assassinated in Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nijjar's killing to Trudeau's allegations: A timeline of how the India-Canada diplomatic row escalated|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nijjars-killing-to-trudeaus-allegations-a-timeline-of-how-the-india-canada-diplomatic-row-escalated/3250567/|newspaper=]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=23 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023205216/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nijjars-killing-to-trudeaus-allegations-a-timeline-of-how-the-india-canada-diplomatic-row-escalated/3250567/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India-Canada row: Diplomatic standoff continues over Nijjar killing|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indiacanada-row-diplomatic-standoff-continues-experts-say-relationship-in-deep-crisis-10-points/amp-11699255375049.html|work=]|date=6 November 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323131416/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indiacanada-row-diplomatic-standoff-continues-experts-say-relationship-in-deep-crisis-10-points/amp-11699255375049.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Speaking at the ], India's ] ] raised concern over the incidents of threats to Indian diplomats and attacks on Indian consulates, stating that these are very permissive because of political reasons. He assured that the Indian side will take action if the Canadian side provides specific information in connection with Nijjar's killing.<ref>{{cite news|title="Organised Crime, Extremism...": S Jaishankar's Sharp Attack On Canada|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-hits-back-at-canada-over-allegation-against-india-4427099|work=]|date=27 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106000758/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-hits-back-at-canada-over-allegation-against-india-4427099|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lakshman|first1=Sriram|title=Told Canada it is not government policy: Jaishankar on Nijjar killing|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/told-canada-it-is-not-government-policy-jaishankar-on-nijjar-killing/article67350744.ece|newspaper=]|date=26 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615080427/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/told-canada-it-is-not-government-policy-jaishankar-on-nijjar-killing/article67350744.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There were further statements by leaders of the Khalistan movement threatening Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Khalistani leader Pannun threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus, asks them to leave|date=20 September 2023|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/khalistani-leader-pannun-threatens-indo-canadian-hindus-asks-them-to-leave-1503223821.html|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621094310/https://www.thestatesman.com/world/khalistani-leader-pannun-threatens-indo-canadian-hindus-asks-them-to-leave-1503223821.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bhaumik|first=Anirban|title=Khalistanis threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, plan huge protest to shut down India's missions in Canada|newspaper=]|date=20 September 2023|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/khalistanis-threaten-indo-canadian-hindus-plan-huge-protest-to-shut-down-indias-missions-in-canada-2694543|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> The Indian government also instructed its investigative agencies to identify all Khalistan supporters in Canada, and canceled their ] card to prevent them from entering India, in addition to confiscating their assets in India.<ref>{{cite news|title=In India's Big Crackdown On Khalistan Radicals, Sympathisers To Lose OCI Cards|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indias-big-move-against-khalistan-radicals-abroad-includes-suspension-of-oci-cards-article-103905626|work=]|date=24 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134422/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indias-big-move-against-khalistan-radicals-abroad-includes-suspension-of-oci-cards-article-103905626|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pandey|first1=Devesh K.|title=NIA confiscates properties of SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-confiscates-properties-of-sfjs-gurpatwant-singh-pannun/article67337643.ece|newspaper=]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923192538/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-confiscates-properties-of-sfjs-gurpatwant-singh-pannun/article67337643.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Big Crackdown On Khalistani Terrorist Who Threatened Hindus In Canada|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/canada-based-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannus-punjab-property-seized-by-anti-terror-agency-nia-4416527|work=]|date=24 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923192022/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/canada-based-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannus-punjab-property-seized-by-anti-terror-agency-nia-4416527|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NIA seizes assets of Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Punjab|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-seizes-chandigarh-property-of-khalistani-extremist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-101695455689590.html|newspaper=]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924074005/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-seizes-chandigarh-property-of-khalistani-extremist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-101695455689590.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In early October, India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country and threatened to revoke the ] of diplomats who would remain after a certain date.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sevastopulo|first1=Demetri|title=India tells Canada to withdraw dozens of diplomatic staff|url=https://www.ft.com/content/9663a97e-9ee3-4b70-a804-38ccbe432203|work=]|date=3 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231003032105/https://www.ft.com/content/9663a97e-9ee3-4b70-a804-38ccbe432203|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India tells Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official says|url=https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-diplomats-090f136eebed1dd50c9a199e40360826|work=AP News|date=3 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323131414/https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-diplomats-090f136eebed1dd50c9a199e40360826|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Coletta|first1=Amanda|title=Canada withdraws diplomats after India threatens to revoke immunity|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/19/canada-india-diplomats-nijjar/|newspaper=]|date=20 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=19 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019235649/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/19/canada-india-diplomats-nijjar/|url-status=live}}</ref> Canadian foreign minister ] announced that Canada will temporarily close three consulates in India and there would be delays in processing of visas.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Austen|first1=Ian|title=Canada Pulls 41 Diplomats as India Threatens to Revoke Their Immunity|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/world/canada/canada-india-diplomats-withdraw.html|work=]|date=19 October 2023|access-date=30 June 2024|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510104745/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/world/canada/canada-india-diplomats-withdraw.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In September 2023, on the sidelines of the ] in ], the Indian Prime Minister ] conveyed concerns about the protests in Canada to Canadian Prime Minister ].<ref>{{cite news |date=11 September 2023 |title=Modi scolds Trudeau over Sikh protests in Canada against India |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/aircraft-glitch-delays-canada-pm-trudeaus-departure-india-2023-09-10/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207200819/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/aircraft-glitch-delays-canada-pm-trudeaus-departure-india-2023-09-10/ |archive-date=7 February 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|last1=Tasker|first1=John Paul|title=Trudeau accuses India's government of involvement in killing of Canadian Sikh leader|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-indian-government-nijjar-1.6970498|work=CBC News|access-date=1 October 2024|date=19 September 2023|archive-date=19 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919041846/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-indian-government-nijjar-1.6970498|url-status=live}}</ref>
Leaders of various nations released statements expressing concern on the stand-off.<ref>{{cite news|title='Deeply Concerned': US, UK & Australia React After Canada Accuses India Of Killing Khalistani Leader Nijjar|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/deeply-concerned-us-uk-australia-react-after-canada-accuses-india-of-killing-khalistani-leader-nijjar|work=Free Press Journal|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614102121/https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/deeply-concerned-us-uk-australia-react-after-canada-accuses-india-of-killing-khalistani-leader-nijjar|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=After U.K., U.S. expresses concern over departure of Canadian diplomats from India|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uk-us-express-concern-over-canadian-diplomats-departure-from-india/article67447385.ece|newspaper=]|date=21 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=4 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304083608/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uk-us-express-concern-over-canadian-diplomats-departure-from-india/article67447385.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Kanishka|last2=Pitas|first2=Costas|title=US and UK back Canada in dispute with India over diplomats|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-backs-canada-dispute-with-india-over-diplomats-2023-10-20/|work=]|date=21 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=7 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107020309/https://www.reuters.com/world/us-backs-canada-dispute-with-india-over-diplomats-2023-10-20/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Haidar|first1=Suhasini|title=After U.S., U.K., Australia, Five eyes member New Zealand too criticises India on order expelling Canadian diplomats|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-us-uk-australia-five-eyes-member-new-zealand-too-criticises-india-on-order-expelling-canadian-diplomats/article67459393.ece|newspaper=]|date=26 October 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323131414/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-us-uk-australia-five-eyes-member-new-zealand-too-criticises-india-on-order-expelling-canadian-diplomats/article67459393.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the ], "this may be the lowest level to which this relationship has sunk. It won't be easy to return to the old normal anytime soon".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=How Canada-India Relations Crumbled|url=https://time.com/6315731/canada-india-relationship-trudeau-modi/|magazine=]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924132630/https://time.com/6315731/canada-india-relationship-trudeau-modi/|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2023, at the ] in ], India availed the ] of the human rights records of Canada to request Canada to “prevent misuse of freedom of expression for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups which are promoting extremism”.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhaumik|first1=Anirban|title=India calls upon Canada to stop attacks on places of worships of minorities, stop 'misuse of freedom of expression'|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-calls-upon-canada-to-stop-attacks-on-places-of-worships-of-minorities-stop-misuse-of-freedom-of-expression-2768843|newspaper=]|date=13 November 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603200427/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-calls-upon-canada-to-stop-attacks-on-places-of-worships-of-minorities-stop-misuse-of-freedom-of-expression-2768843|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, Canada paused talks on a ] with India.<ref name="Trade">{{cite news |date=1 September 2023 |title=In surprise move, Canada pauses talks on trade treaty with India |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-says-it-has-paused-talks-trade-treaty-with-india-2023-09-01/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230901204412/https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-says-it-has-paused-talks-trade-treaty-with-india-2023-09-01/ |archive-date=1 September 2023 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> In September 2023, Canada announced it had postponed an October trade mission to India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Canada hits pause on trade mission to India after tensions at G20 summit |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/15/canada-hits-pause-on-trade-mission-to-india-after-tensions-at-g20-summit |work=Al Jazeera |date=15 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On 18 September 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau addressing the ] said that "Over the past number of weeks, Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the ] and the killing of a Canadian citizen, ]".<ref name="FP">{{cite news |last1=Ling |first1=Justin |date=19 September 2023 |title=Trudeau Says India Likely Behind Murder of Canadian Sikh Leader |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/09/19/canada-india-trudeau-modi-hardeep-singh-nijjar-assassination-sikh-leader/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230919230650/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/09/19/canada-india-trudeau-modi-hardeep-singh-nijjar-assassination-sikh-leader/ |archive-date=19 September 2023 |work=Foreign Policy}}</ref> Trudeau stated that he had presented the accusations directly to Prime Minister Modi "in no uncertain terms" during the ] summit in New Delhi.<ref name="FP"/> Trudeau further added that "Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty" while urging the Indian government to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.<ref name=":2" />

] rejected Trudeau's allegations in a statement saying that claims of India's "involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated". It added that similar accusations made earlier by Trudeau to Prime Minister Modi had been "completely rejected". The statement further said that "Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India's sovereignty and territorial integrity". India urged Canada "to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil". It said that Canada's inaction has been "a long-standing and continuing concern".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rajesh |first1=Y. P. |last2=Dayal |first2=Sakshi |date=19 September 2023 |title=India rejects Canada's suspicions on role in Sikh leader's murder |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-dismisses-absurd-canadas-accusation-sikh-leaders-murder-2023-09-19/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241206133009/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-dismisses-absurd-canadas-accusation-sikh-leaders-murder-2023-09-19/ |archive-date=6 December 2024 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Coletta |first1=Amanda |last2=Shih |first2=Gerry |last3=Mehrotra |first3=Karishma |date=20 September 2023 |title=India expels Canadian diplomat as dispute over alleged assassination escalates |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-sikh-assassination/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230922121651/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/19/india-expels-canada-diplomat-sikh-assassination/ |archive-date=22 September 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

The tensions between the countries were fueled by disagreements over the separatist ] and its active supporters.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duggal |first=Hanna |last2=Chughtai |first2=Alia |date=27 September 2023 |title=What is the Khalistan movement? How is it linked to India-Canada tensions? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/what-is-the-khalistan-movement-how-is-it-linked-to-india-canada-tensions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601034936/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/what-is-the-khalistan-movement-how-is-it-linked-to-india-canada-tensions |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |work=]}}</ref>

The Indian government claimed that Canada has not provided any evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's death.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why Canada is getting muted support from allies on allegation against India|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/21/why-canada-lacks-allies-support-on-claim-india-killed-hardeep-singh-nijjar|access-date=22 September 2023|work=]|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921230438/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/21/why-canada-lacks-allies-support-on-claim-india-killed-hardeep-singh-nijjar|url-status=live}}</ref> Canada contended that it was provided intelligence on the same by US intelligence agencies.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnes|first1=Julian E.|last2=Austen|first2=Ian|date=23 September 2023|title=U.S. Provided Canada With Intelligence on Killing of Sikh Leader|work=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/us/politics/canada-sikh-leader-killing-intelligence.html|issn=0362-4331|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=6 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906174911/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/us/politics/canada-sikh-leader-killing-intelligence.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Diplomatic row==
On 18 September 2023, Canadian ] ] announced that Canada had expelled Pavan Kumar Rai — a "senior Indian diplomat". According to Joly, Rai was the ] of the Canada station of India's foreign intelligence agency — ]. The High Commission of India in Ottawa lists Rai as the minister responsible for "eco, coordination, community affairs".<ref name=":3" />

In her statement, Joly said that Canada "will not tolerate any form of foreign interference". She added that such action "is not only troubling but it is completely unacceptable". She further said that India's involvement if proven true would be "a great violation of our sovereignty and of the most basic rule of how countries deal with each other".<ref name=":3" />

On 19 September 2023, India expelled a top diplomat of Canada with five days' notice to leave the country amid "growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats" in India's "internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities", according to a statement from Indian ].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> The expelled diplomat was later identified as the ]'s ] in India - Olivier Sylvestere.<ref>{{cite news |title=Expelled diplomat headed Canadian intelligence in India: Sources |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/expelled-diplomat-headed-canadian-intelligence-in-india-sources-101695134292063-amp.html |work=Hindustan Times|date=19 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On 20 September 2023, India warned its citizens due to "growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence" to "exercise utmost caution" in Canada.<ref name="CNBC">{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Clement |title=India urges 'utmost caution' in Canada travel advisory as bilateral crisis escalates |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/india-travel-advisory-canada.html |work=CNBC |date=20 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="CBC">{{cite news |title=India warns travellers to Canada of 'politically-condoned' violence as diplomatic row worsens |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-canada-travel-warning-1.6972377 |work=CBC News |date=20 September 2023}}</ref> ], Canadian public safety minister, responded to the travel alert saying "Canada is a safe country".<ref>{{cite news |title=Canada rejects Indian travel advisory amid probe of Sikh leader killing |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/20/canada-rejects-indian-travel-advisory-amid-probe-of-sikh-leader-killing |work=Al Jazeera |date=20 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On 21 September 2023, Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson ] announced that India has suspended "temporarily the issuance of visas or providing visa services" for all Canadian nationals in all categories, including ]s and for Canadian citizens applying from third countries, due to "security threats" against its diplomats.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mogul |first=Rhea |last2=Suri |first2=Manveena |date=21 September 2023 |title=India suspends visas for Canadian nationals as diplomatic spat deepens |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/21/india/india-canada-travel-advisory-assassination-row-intl-hnk/index.html |work=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Shweta |date=21 September 2023 |title=India suspends 'all categories' of visas for Canada citizens amid diplomatic row |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/india-suspends-visa-canada-citizens-relations-b2415652.html |work=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>

On 24 September 2023, Canada updated its ] for India, advising its citizens there to "remain vigilant and exercise caution" due to "calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media".<ref>{{cite news |last=Sarkar |first=Alisha Rahaman |date=26 September 2023 |title=Canada warns its citizens to 'remain vigilant' in India travel advisory |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/canada-india-travel-advisory-nijjar-b2418527.html |work=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> It urges travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country".<ref>{{cite news |last=DeLaire |first=Megan |date=25 September 2023 |title=Canada travel advisory to India updated to include protests, 'negative sentiments' |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-travel-advisory-to-india-updated-to-include-protests-negative-sentiments-1.6576352 |work=CTVNews |language=en}}</ref>

In early October, India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country and threatened to revoke the ] of diplomats who would remain after a certain date.<ref name="FT">{{cite news |last1=Sevastopulo |first1=Demetri |date=3 October 2023 |title=India tells Canada to withdraw dozens of diplomatic staff |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9663a97e-9ee3-4b70-a804-38ccbe432203 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231003171638/https://www.ft.com/content/9663a97e-9ee3-4b70-a804-38ccbe432203 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |work=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gillies |first=Rob |date=3 October 2023 |title=India tells Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official says |url=https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-diplomats-090f136eebed1dd50c9a199e40360826 |work=AP News |language=en}}</ref> On 18 October 2023, 41 Canadian diplomats along with 42 of their family members left India.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coletta |first1=Amanda |date=20 October 2023 |title=Canada withdraws diplomats after India threatens to revoke immunity |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/19/canada-india-diplomats-nijjar/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231020132334/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/19/canada-india-diplomats-nijjar/ |archive-date=20 October 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> ], the Canadian foreign minister, said that Canada will temporarily close three consulates in India and concentrate services at its high commission in ], with 21 diplomats remaining in India.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |last1=Austen |first1=Ian |title=Canada Pulls 41 Diplomats as India Threatens to Revoke Their Immunity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/world/canada/canada-india-diplomats-withdraw.html |work=The New York Times |date=19 October 2023}}</ref> Canada's immigration minister, ] said that the situation would cause delays in the immigration applications and processing of visas for people in India.<ref name="NYT"/>

On 20 October 2023, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement stating that "Their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa".<ref>{{cite news |title=India rejects Canada's accusation that it violated international norms in their diplomatic spat |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-canada-sikh-separatist-diplomatic-spat-72a00d3fbb315f2d424a48cfb422d6dd |work=AP News |date=20 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2023, at the ] in ], India availed the ] of the human rights records of Canada to request Canada to “prevent misuse of freedom of expression for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups which are promoting extremism”.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhaumik |first1=Anirban |title=India calls upon Canada to stop attacks on places of worships of minorities, stop 'misuse of freedom of expression' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-calls-upon-canada-to-stop-attacks-on-places-of-worships-of-minorities-stop-misuse-of-freedom-of-expression-2768843 |work=Deccan Herald |date=13 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In April 2024, the Canadian deputy high commissioner was summoned by India after separatist slogans supporting a Sikh homeland were allegedly raised at a ] event addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau.<ref>{{cite news |title=India protests alleged Sikh separatist slogans at event attended by Trudeau |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau |work=Al Jazeera |date=30 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

Concerns were voiced within Canada with members such as the Premier of British Columbia ] voicing out suspicion that the federal government is holding back information.<ref>{{cite news|title=B.C. Premier calls for federal transparency regarding Indian foreign interference|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9980237/eby-federal-indian-foreign-interference/#:~:text=British%20Columbia%20Premier%20David%20Eby,to%20India%20from%20foreign%20interference|work=Global News|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924014822/https://globalnews.ca/news/9980237/eby-federal-indian-foreign-interference/#:~:text=British%20Columbia%20Premier%20David%20Eby,to%20India%20from%20foreign%20interference|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Seth |first=Harshit |date=24 September 2023 |title=British Columbia Premier Calls Out Canada PM Trudeau For 'Holding Back' Info On Nijjar |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/british-columbia-premier-david-eby-calls-out-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-for-holding-back-info-on-hardeep-singh-nijjar-article-103898309 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134118/https://www.timesnownews.com/world/british-columbia-premier-david-eby-calls-out-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-for-holding-back-info-on-hardeep-singh-nijjar-article-103898309 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India-Canada tension: Info I got on Nijjar killing available on internet, frustrating, claims Canada leader|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/india-canada-tension-info-i-got-on-nijjar-killing-available-on-internet-frustrating-claims-canada-leader-399447-2023-09-23|work=]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134138/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/india-canada-tension-info-i-got-on-nijjar-killing-available-on-internet-frustrating-claims-canada-leader-399447-2023-09-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Balraj Singh, son of Hardeep Nijjar, said his father had been meeting with Canadian Security Intelligence Service officers before the murder and according to a report by '']'', Nijjar was suspected to be an asset for Canadian security services.<ref>{{cite news|title=India-Canada row: Hardeep Singh Nijjar met Canadian intelligence officers every week before death, says son|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/india-canada-row-hardeep-singh-nijjar-met-canadian-intelligence-officers-every-week-before-death-says-son/articleshow/104025615.cms?from=mdr|newspaper=]|date=28 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617212641/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/india-canada-row-hardeep-singh-nijjar-met-canadian-intelligence-officers-every-week-before-death-says-son/articleshow/104025615.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 September 2023 |editor-last=Biswas |editor-first=Sayantani |title=Khalistani extremist Nijjar was an 'asset of Canada's Intelligence Services'? |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-canada-row-khalistani-extremist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-was-an-asset-of-canada-s-intelligence-services-11695978172987.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206174933/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-canada-row-khalistani-extremist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-was-an-asset-of-canada-s-intelligence-services-11695978172987.html |archive-date=6 December 2023 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref>

In September 2024, RRM Canada examined a number of Indian media outlets and named organisations such as ] (ANI), ], ], and journalists like Smita Prakash, Palki Sharma, and Anand Ranganathan and noted their potential influence on Canadian public opinion in order to promote narratives related to ], ], and Canada–India relations. The report added the emergence of these activities since the Canadian government has accused Indian involvement in the ].<ref name="i245">{{cite web | last=Mago | first=Shivani | title=Month-old Canadian report flagged posts, news from 'Modi-aligned media' as 'foreign interference' | website=ThePrint | date=2024-10-18 | url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/month-old-canadian-report-flagged-posts-news-from-modi-aligned-media-as-foreign-interference/2317844/ | access-date=2024-10-25}}</ref><ref name="j202">{{cite web | last=Seli | first=Yeshi | title=Canada's RRM report claims Indian media shaped negative narratives about Trudeau | website=The New Indian Express | date=2024-10-20 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/world/2024/Oct/20/canadas-rrm-report-claims-indian-media-shaped-negative-narratives-about-trudeau | access-date=2024-10-25}}</ref>

Speaking at the ], India's ] ] raised concern over the incidents of threats to Indian diplomats and attacks on Indian consulates, stating that these are very permissive because of political reasons. He assured that the Indian side will take action if the Canadian side provides specific information in connection with Nijjar's killing.<ref>{{cite news|title="Organised Crime, Extremism...": S Jaishankar's Sharp Attack On Canada|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-hits-back-at-canada-over-allegation-against-india-4427099|work=]|date=27 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106000758/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-hits-back-at-canada-over-allegation-against-india-4427099|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lakshman|first1=Sriram|title=Told Canada it is not government policy: Jaishankar on Nijjar killing|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/told-canada-it-is-not-government-policy-jaishankar-on-nijjar-killing/article67350744.ece|newspaper=]|date=26 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615080427/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/told-canada-it-is-not-government-policy-jaishankar-on-nijjar-killing/article67350744.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There were further statements by leaders of the Khalistan movement threatening Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Khalistani leader Pannun threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus, asks them to leave|date=20 September 2023|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/khalistani-leader-pannun-threatens-indo-canadian-hindus-asks-them-to-leave-1503223821.html|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621094310/https://www.thestatesman.com/world/khalistani-leader-pannun-threatens-indo-canadian-hindus-asks-them-to-leave-1503223821.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bhaumik|first=Anirban|title=Khalistanis threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, plan huge protest to shut down India's missions in Canada|newspaper=]|date=20 September 2023|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/khalistanis-threaten-indo-canadian-hindus-plan-huge-protest-to-shut-down-indias-missions-in-canada-2694543|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> The Indian government also instructed its investigative agencies to identify all Khalistan supporters in Canada, and canceled their ] card to prevent them from entering India, in addition to confiscating their assets in India.<ref>{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Bhavatosh |date=24 September 2023 |title=In India's Big Crackdown On Khalistan Radicals, Sympathisers To Lose OCI Cards |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indias-big-move-against-khalistan-radicals-abroad-includes-suspension-of-oci-cards-article-103905626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134422/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indias-big-move-against-khalistan-radicals-abroad-includes-suspension-of-oci-cards-article-103905626 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pandey|first1=Devesh K.|title=NIA confiscates properties of SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-confiscates-properties-of-sfjs-gurpatwant-singh-pannun/article67337643.ece|newspaper=]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923192538/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-confiscates-properties-of-sfjs-gurpatwant-singh-pannun/article67337643.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ghazali |first=Mohammed |last2=Sharma |first2=Neeta |date=24 September 2023 |editor-last=Kumar |editor-first=Akhil |title=Big Crackdown On Khalistani Terrorist Who Threatened Hindus In Canada |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/canada-based-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannus-punjab-property-seized-by-anti-terror-agency-nia-4416527 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923192022/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/canada-based-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannus-punjab-property-seized-by-anti-terror-agency-nia-4416527 |archive-date=23 September 2023 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NIA seizes assets of Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Punjab|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-seizes-chandigarh-property-of-khalistani-extremist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-101695455689590.html|newspaper=]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=24 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924074005/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-seizes-chandigarh-property-of-khalistani-extremist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-101695455689590.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 29 2024 ], Canada's Minister of Deputy Foreign Affairs, shared with Parliament members that he had provided Indian home minister ] name to the Washington Post, which first reported the allegations of the Indian government's involvement in 2023. Morrison did not explain how Canada knew about Shah's alleged involvement. In response, India issued a formal protest calling the claims of Shah's involvement 'absurd and baseless', with a spokesperson from the Indian Foreign Ministry further stating "such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties”.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=Canada alleges Indian Home Minister Amit Shah ordered campaign targeting Sikh separatists |url=https://apnews.com/article/canada-india-amit-shah-sikh-c86c66930302357e3159688bede3e4e6 |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=India protests Ottawa's allegation its home minister ordered targeting of Sikh activists in Canada |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-canada-killing-amit-shah-sikh-row-84f1a126fb92e6bbc40dbfdbc1f5fd98 |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

On November 22, 2024, Nathalie G. Drouin from the ] stated that the Canadian Government is “not aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada"<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-21 |title=Statement from the Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/news/2024/11/statement-from-the-deputy-clerk-of-the-privy-council-and-national-security-and-intelligence-ad-visor-to-the-prime-minister-nathalie-g-drouin.html |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.canada.ca}}</ref>


== 2024 expulsions == == 2024 expulsions ==
{{NPOV section|talk=NPOV|date=October 2024}} {{POV section|talk=NPOV|date=October 2024}}
In April 2024, the Canadian deputy high commissioner was summoned by India after separatist slogans supporting a Sikh homeland were allegedly raised at a ] event addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau.<ref>{{cite news|title=India protests alleged Sikh separatist slogans at event attended by Trudeau|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau|work=]|date=30 April 2024|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923040350/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2024, Modi and Trudeau met briefly at the ], signaling a resumption of dialogue and a reduction in diplomatic tensions.<ref>{{cite news|title=G7 Summit: Modi seizes center stage to ambush Biden, Trudeau|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/g7-summit-modi-seizes-center-stage-to-ambush-biden-trudeau-3068143|access-date=1 July 2024|date=15 June 2024|newspaper=]|archive-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042346/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/g7-summit-modi-seizes-center-stage-to-ambush-biden-trudeau-3068143|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 June 2024 |title=Committed to working together on key issues: Trudeau after meeting with PM Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=] |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616015752/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> International relations experts have called for Canada and India to find a way forward in their relations due to their engagement in a broad range of geopolitical issues and India's importance for the United States and Canada in their ] strategy.<ref>{{cite web|date=27 September 2023|title=Canada Institute Experts React to the India-Canada Dispute|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute|access-date=31 October 2023|work=]|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103103259/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2024, Modi and Trudeau met briefly at the ] in Italy, signaling a resumption of dialogue and a reduction in diplomatic tensions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Platt |first=Brian |last2=Wingrove |first2=Josh |date=2024-06-14 |title=Modi Seizes Center Stage at G-7 to Ambush Biden, Trudeau |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-14/murder-plot-furor-fades-as-modi-emerges-from-spurned-status |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240616013216/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-14/murder-plot-furor-fades-as-modi-emerges-from-spurned-status |archive-date=16 June 2024 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Bloomberg |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 June 2024 |title=Committed to working together on key issues: Trudeau after meeting with PM Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=] |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616015752/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> International relations experts have called for Canada and India to find a way forward in their relations due to their engagement in a broad range of geopolitical issues and India's importance for the United States and Canada in their ] strategy.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sands |first=Christopher |last2=Goldfarb |first2=Danielle |last3=Sanders |first3=Richard |last4=Horton |first4=Deanna |last5=Norton |first5=Roy |last6=Delgado |first6=Xavier |date=27 September 2023 |title=Canada Institute Experts React to the India-Canada Dispute |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103103259/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=31 October 2023 |work=]}}</ref>


On 12 October 2024, Canadian officials informed ], India's ], that the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other diplomats were ] in the Nijjar murder and asked for their diplomatic and consular immunity to be removed so as to cooperate in the investigation.<ref name="WaPo24-10-15">{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Greg |last2=Shih |first2=Gerry |date=14 October 2024 |title=Canada alleges much wider campaign by Modi government against Sikhs |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/14/canada-modi-sikhs-violence-india/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241017053315/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/14/canada-modi-sikhs-violence-india/ |archive-date=17 October 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024 |newspaper=]}}</ref><ref name="TorStar24-20-14">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-and-india-each-expel-six-diplomats-amid-murder-investigation-of-sikh-activist-in-b/article_d17db700-8a4b-11ef-bc06-3b4aeb86095c.html|date=14 October 2024|title=Canada and India each expel six diplomats amid murder investigation of Sikh activist in B.C.|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> Canadian minister of Foreign Affairs ] said that India did not agree to this, and the diplomats were served with notices of expulsion.<ref name="TorStar24-20-14" /> India released a conflicting statement saying that it had instead already withdrawn the diplomats out of safety concerns,<ref name="WaPo24-10-15" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-10-17 |title=26 extradition requests pending with Canada: India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-canada-row-india-says-26-extradition-requests-pending-with-canada/article68765573.ece |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> but later announced a tit-for-tat expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.<ref name="TorStar24-20-14" /><ref name="WaPo24-10-15" />
In September 2024, RRM Canada examined a number of Indian media outlets and named organisations such as ] (ANI), ], ], and journalists like Smita Prakash, Palki Sharma, and Anand Ranganathan and noted their potential influence on Canadian public opinion in order to promote narratives related to ], ], and Canada–India relations. The report added the emergence of these activities since the Canadian government has accused Indian involvement in the ].<ref name="i245">{{cite web | last=Mago | first=Shivani | title=Month-old Canadian report flagged posts, news from 'Modi-aligned media' as 'foreign interference' | website=ThePrint | date=2024-10-18 | url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/month-old-canadian-report-flagged-posts-news-from-modi-aligned-media-as-foreign-interference/2317844/ | access-date=2024-10-25}}</ref><ref name="j202">{{cite web | last=Seli | first=Yeshi | title=Canada's RRM report claims Indian media shaped negative narratives about Trudeau | website=The New Indian Express | date=2024-10-20 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/world/2024/Oct/20/canadas-rrm-report-claims-indian-media-shaped-negative-narratives-about-trudeau | access-date=2024-10-25}}</ref>


Canadian officials said they had evidence of the involvement of the Indian government in various home invasions, drive-by shootings, arson and two homicides, those of Nijjar and of Sukhdool Singh, shot in ] on 20 September 2023. They said that Indian diplomats intimidated and coerced Canadians, who were seeking immigration documents and/or had family ties in India, to gather intelligence for the Indian Intelligence agency ] and to surveil targets, who were then attacked by a gang led by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/rcmp-statement-violent-criminal-activity-occurring-canada-connections-agents-the|title=RCMP statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India|date=14 October 2024|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Walsh |first=Marieke |last2=Fife |first2=Robert |date=14 October 2024 |title=Indian government officials allegedly linked to homicides, extortions and coercion in Canada, pose threat to public safety, says RCMP |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-india-diplomats-expelled-rcmp/ |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref>
On 12 October 2024, Canadian officials informed ], India's ], that the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other diplomats were persons of interest in the Nijjar murder and asked for their diplomatic and consular immunity to be removed so as to cooperate in the investigation.<ref name="WaPo24-10-15">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/14/canada-modi-sikhs-violence-india/|title=Canada alleges much wider campaign by Modi government against Sikhs|date=14 October 2024|newspaper=]|first1=Greg|last1=Miller|first2=Gerry|last2=Shih|access-date=19 October 2024}}</ref><ref name="TorStar24-20-14">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-and-india-each-expel-six-diplomats-amid-murder-investigation-of-sikh-activist-in-b/article_d17db700-8a4b-11ef-bc06-3b4aeb86095c.html|date=14 October 2024|title=Canada and India each expel six diplomats amid murder investigation of Sikh activist in B.C.|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> Canadian minister of Foreign Affairs ] said that India did not agree to this, and the diplomats were served with notices of expulsion.<ref name="TorStar24-20-14" /> India released a conflicting statement saying that it had instead already withdrawn the diplomats out of safety concerns,<ref name="WaPo24-10-15" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-10-17 |title=26 extradition requests pending with Canada: India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-canada-row-india-says-26-extradition-requests-pending-with-canada/article68765573.ece |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> but later announced a tit-for-tat expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.<ref name="TorStar24-20-14" /><ref name="WaPo24-10-15" />


Canadian officials said they had evidence of the involvement of the Indian government in various home invasions, drive-by shootings, arson and two homicides, those of Nijjar and of Sukhdool Singh, shot in ] on 20 September 2023. They said that Indian diplomats intimidated and coerced Canadians, who were seeking immigration documents and/or had family ties in India, to gather intelligence for the Indian Intelligence agency ] and to surveil targets, who were then attacked by a gang led by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/rcmp-statement-violent-criminal-activity-occurring-canada-connections-agents-the|title=RCMP statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India|date=14 October 2024|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-india-diplomats-expelled-rcmp/|title=Indian government officials allegedly linked to homicides, extortions and coercion in Canada, pose threat to public safety, says RCMP|date=14 October 2024|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> The ] said they had arrested several people in connection with the case, some of whom they alleged to have had links to the Government of India. They also said to have alerted twelve Canadian residents of Indian descent based on credible evidence that they could be targeted by Indian agents and encouraged people with information to come forward to help with the investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-expels-6-indian-diplomats-rcmp-alleges-serious-criminal-activity-1.7351837|title=Canada expels 6 Indian diplomats, RCMP alleges 'serious criminal activity'|date=14 October 2024|work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tunney|first=Catharine|date=15 October 2024|title=Top Mountie urges Sikh community to come forward as RCMP pushes ahead on India probe|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-violence-alelgations-rcmp-1.7352396 |work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> The ] said they had arrested several people in connection with the case, some of whom they alleged to have had links to the Government of India. They also said to have alerted twelve Canadian residents of Indian descent based on credible evidence that they could be targeted by Indian agents and encouraged people with information to come forward to help with the investigation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tunney |first=Catharine |last2=Rafique |first2=Racy |date=14 October 2024 |title=Canada expels 6 Indian diplomats, RCMP alleges 'serious criminal activity' |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-expels-6-indian-diplomats-rcmp-alleges-serious-criminal-activity-1.7351837 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tunney|first=Catharine|date=15 October 2024|title=Top Mountie urges Sikh community to come forward as RCMP pushes ahead on India probe|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-violence-alelgations-rcmp-1.7352396 |work=]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref>


After Verma's expulsion, he alleged there being a significant presence and infiltration of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada's law and order institutions, defence forces, and the Canadian Parliament.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pro-Khalistan elements in Canadian defence, Parliament: Recalled Indian envoy |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-canada-row-envoy-sanjay-kumar-verma-on-khalistani-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-murder-2622628-2024-10-24 |work=India Today}}</ref> After Verma's expulsion, he alleged there being a significant presence and infiltration of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada's law and order institutions, defense forces, and the Canadian Parliament.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sinha |first=Sahil |date=October 24, 2024 |title=Pro-Khalistan elements in Canadian defence, Parliament: Recalled Indian envoy |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-canada-row-envoy-sanjay-kumar-verma-on-khalistani-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-murder-2622628-2024-10-24 |work=India Today}}</ref>

==Reactions==
A spokesperson for ], ], stated that “Australia is deeply concerned by these allegations and notes ongoing investigations into this matter. Australia believes all countries should respect sovereignty and the rule of law”.<ref name=":6" /> In 2024, the Australian Foreign Minister stated she raised allegations with her Indian counterpart, ] during his visit to Australia in November.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=2024-11-05 |title=Australian foreign minister raises allegations of India targeting Sikhs in Canada |url=https://apnews.com/article/australia-india-canada-sikh-foreign-minister-4aa2d7dfdc83212fcb77c3f38fe5f1bb |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

A spokesperson for the United Kingdom's ] said that they "do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India". The statement added that they "continue to encourage India to engage with Canada on its independent investigation into the death of ]".<ref name=":7" />

The ] spokesperson ] said that they "urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation".<ref name="Singh">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Kanishka |last2=Pitas |first2=Costas |date=21 October 2023 |title=US and UK back Canada in dispute with India over diplomats |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-backs-canada-dispute-with-india-over-diplomats-2023-10-20/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231020221143/https://www.reuters.com/world/us-backs-canada-dispute-with-india-over-diplomats-2023-10-20/ |archive-date=20 October 2023 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>

The ] expressed concern in a statement saying “Now seems the time for more diplomacy, not less,” adding that it expects "all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including in relation to the privileges and immunities of accredited staff”.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haidar |first1=Suhasini |date=26 October 2023 |title=After U.S., U.K., Australia, Five eyes member New Zealand too criticises India on order expelling Canadian diplomats |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-us-uk-australia-five-eyes-member-new-zealand-too-criticises-india-on-order-expelling-canadian-diplomats/article67459393.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231026174241/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-us-uk-australia-five-eyes-member-new-zealand-too-criticises-india-on-order-expelling-canadian-diplomats/article67459393.ece |archive-date=26 October 2023 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Gaurav |date=27 October 2023 |title=New Zealand joins Five Eyes partners in criticising India over threat to revoke diplomatic privileges |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/501108/new-zealand-joins-five-eyes-partners-in-criticising-india-over-threat-to-revoke-diplomatic-privileges |work=RNZ |language=en-nz}}</ref>

According to ], director of the South Asia Institute at the ] think-tank, "this may be the lowest level to which this relationship has sunk. It won't be easy to return to the old normal anytime soon".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajvanshi |first=Astha |date=2023-09-19 |title=How Canada-India Relations Crumbled |url=https://time.com/6315731/canada-india-relationship-trudeau-modi/ |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=TIME |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Canada|India|Politics}}
* ]
* ]
* ]


== References == == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==External links==
*{{cite web |title=PM Trudeau {{!}} 'Credible allegations' that India was involved in killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=SEhJR3S58zc |publisher=CTV News |language=en |date=18 September 2023}}

{{Foreign relations of Canada}}
{{Foreign relations of India}}

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Latest revision as of 12:50, 15 December 2024

Canadian-Indian diplomatic incident For overall relationship between Canada and India, see Canada–India relations.

The Canada–India diplomatic row is a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India that started in September 2023, with periodic escalation throughout the following year. While the diplomatic row was initially triggered due to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the ongoing tensions between India and Canada have been largely fuelled by disagreements over the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement and its active supporters.

This led to a prolonged diplomatic stand-off between the countries. Both the countries expelled diplomatic staff, claiming interference in the other's internal affairs.

In 2023, both countries expelled members of each other's diplomatic staff and advised their citizens against traveling to the other; Canada closed three consulates in India. In October 2024, Canada expelled Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, along with five other diplomats. India retaliated with six expulsions of its own.

Leaders of various nations released statements expressing concern on the stand-off.

Background

Further information: Khalistan movement, 2023 Sikh protests, and Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Canada has the largest Sikh population outside India. Sikhs who number 770,000, account for nearly 2 percent of Canada's population. Some Sikhs living in Canada are prominent members of the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separation from India to create an independent Sikh homeland.

India has since increasingly accused Canada of giving free reign to Khalistani activists in Canada.

In March 2023, Canada's High Commissioner was summoned by India to convey strong concern over Sikh protesters in Canada and the security breach of India's diplomatic mission and consulates.

In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in Canada.

In September 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed concerns about the protests in Canada to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In 2023, Canada paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India. In September 2023, Canada announced it had postponed an October trade mission to India.

On 18 September 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau addressing the House of Commons said that "Over the past number of weeks, 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". Trudeau stated that he had presented the accusations directly to Prime Minister Modi "in no uncertain terms" during the G20 summit in New Delhi. Trudeau further added that "Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty" while urging the Indian government to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs rejected Trudeau's allegations in a statement saying that claims of India's "involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated". It added that similar accusations made earlier by Trudeau to Prime Minister Modi had been "completely rejected". The statement further said that "Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India's sovereignty and territorial integrity". India urged Canada "to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil". It said that Canada's inaction has been "a long-standing and continuing concern".

The tensions between the countries were fueled by disagreements over the separatist Khalistan movement and its active supporters.

The Indian government claimed that Canada has not provided any evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's death. Canada contended that it was provided intelligence on the same by US intelligence agencies.

Diplomatic row

On 18 September 2023, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly announced that Canada had expelled Pavan Kumar Rai — a "senior Indian diplomat". According to Joly, Rai was the Station chief of the Canada station of India's foreign intelligence agency — Research and Analysis Wing. The High Commission of India in Ottawa lists Rai as the minister responsible for "eco, coordination, community affairs".

In her statement, Joly said that Canada "will not tolerate any form of foreign interference". She added that such action "is not only troubling but it is completely unacceptable". She further said that India's involvement if proven true would be "a great violation of our sovereignty and of the most basic rule of how countries deal with each other".

On 19 September 2023, India expelled a top diplomat of Canada with five days' notice to leave the country amid "growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats" in India's "internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities", according to a statement from Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The expelled diplomat was later identified as the CSIS's Station chief in India - Olivier Sylvestere.

On 20 September 2023, India warned its citizens due to "growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence" to "exercise utmost caution" in Canada. Dominic LeBlanc, Canadian public safety minister, responded to the travel alert saying "Canada is a safe country".

On 21 September 2023, Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi announced that India has suspended "temporarily the issuance of visas or providing visa services" for all Canadian nationals in all categories, including e-visas and for Canadian citizens applying from third countries, due to "security threats" against its diplomats.

On 24 September 2023, Canada updated its travel advisory for India, advising its citizens there to "remain vigilant and exercise caution" due to "calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media". It urges travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country".

In early October, India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country and threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of diplomats who would remain after a certain date. On 18 October 2023, 41 Canadian diplomats along with 42 of their family members left India. Mélanie Joly, the Canadian foreign minister, said that Canada will temporarily close three consulates in India and concentrate services at its high commission in Delhi, with 21 diplomats remaining in India. Canada's immigration minister, Marc Miller said that the situation would cause delays in the immigration applications and processing of visas for people in India.

On 20 October 2023, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement stating that "Their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa".

In November 2023, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, India availed the Universal Periodic Review of the human rights records of Canada to request Canada to “prevent misuse of freedom of expression for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups which are promoting extremism”.

In April 2024, the Canadian deputy high commissioner was summoned by India after separatist slogans supporting a Sikh homeland were allegedly raised at a Vaisakhi event addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau.

Concerns were voiced within Canada with members such as the Premier of British Columbia David Eby voicing out suspicion that the federal government is holding back information. Balraj Singh, son of Hardeep Nijjar, said his father had been meeting with Canadian Security Intelligence Service officers before the murder and according to a report by The Economic Times, Nijjar was suspected to be an asset for Canadian security services.

In September 2024, RRM Canada examined a number of Indian media outlets and named organisations such as Asian News International (ANI), WION, Aaj Tak, and journalists like Smita Prakash, Palki Sharma, and Anand Ranganathan and noted their potential influence on Canadian public opinion in order to promote narratives related to Justin Trudeau, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and Canada–India relations. The report added the emergence of these activities since the Canadian government has accused Indian involvement in the murder of Nijjar.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar raised concern over the incidents of threats to Indian diplomats and attacks on Indian consulates, stating that these are very permissive because of political reasons. He assured that the Indian side will take action if the Canadian side provides specific information in connection with Nijjar's killing. There were further statements by leaders of the Khalistan movement threatening Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada. The Indian government also instructed its investigative agencies to identify all Khalistan supporters in Canada, and canceled their Overseas Citizenship of India card to prevent them from entering India, in addition to confiscating their assets in India.

On October 29 2024 David Morrison, Canada's Minister of Deputy Foreign Affairs, shared with Parliament members that he had provided Indian home minister Amit Shah's name to the Washington Post, which first reported the allegations of the Indian government's involvement in 2023. Morrison did not explain how Canada knew about Shah's alleged involvement. In response, India issued a formal protest calling the claims of Shah's involvement 'absurd and baseless', with a spokesperson from the Indian Foreign Ministry further stating "such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties”.

On November 22, 2024, Nathalie G. Drouin from the Privy Council Office stated that the Canadian Government is “not aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada"

2024 expulsions

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In June 2024, Modi and Trudeau met briefly at the 50th G7 summit in Italy, signaling a resumption of dialogue and a reduction in diplomatic tensions. International relations experts have called for Canada and India to find a way forward in their relations due to their engagement in a broad range of geopolitical issues and India's importance for the United States and Canada in their Indo-Pacific strategy.

On 12 October 2024, Canadian officials informed Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, that the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other diplomats were persons of interest in the Nijjar murder and asked for their diplomatic and consular immunity to be removed so as to cooperate in the investigation. Canadian minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly said that India did not agree to this, and the diplomats were served with notices of expulsion. India released a conflicting statement saying that it had instead already withdrawn the diplomats out of safety concerns, but later announced a tit-for-tat expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.

Canadian officials said they had evidence of the involvement of the Indian government in various home invasions, drive-by shootings, arson and two homicides, those of Nijjar and of Sukhdool Singh, shot in Winnipeg on 20 September 2023. They said that Indian diplomats intimidated and coerced Canadians, who were seeking immigration documents and/or had family ties in India, to gather intelligence for the Indian Intelligence agency RAW and to surveil targets, who were then attacked by a gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they had arrested several people in connection with the case, some of whom they alleged to have had links to the Government of India. They also said to have alerted twelve Canadian residents of Indian descent based on credible evidence that they could be targeted by Indian agents and encouraged people with information to come forward to help with the investigation.

After Verma's expulsion, he alleged there being a significant presence and infiltration of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada's law and order institutions, defense forces, and the Canadian Parliament.

Reactions

A spokesperson for Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, stated that “Australia is deeply concerned by these allegations and notes ongoing investigations into this matter. Australia believes all countries should respect sovereignty and the rule of law”. In 2024, the Australian Foreign Minister stated she raised allegations with her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar during his visit to Australia in November.

A spokesperson for the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said that they "do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India". The statement added that they "continue to encourage India to engage with Canada on its independent investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar".

The United States Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said that they "urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation".

The New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern in a statement saying “Now seems the time for more diplomacy, not less,” adding that it expects "all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including in relation to the privileges and immunities of accredited staff”.

According to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center think-tank, "this may be the lowest level to which this relationship has sunk. It won't be easy to return to the old normal anytime soon".

See also

References

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