India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, instructing them to leave the country by October 19. The move came just hours after India summoned Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, Stewart Wheeler, to protest what it described as the "unfounded targeting" of Indian diplomats in Canada.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that several senior Canadian officials, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler and Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, were among those asked to depart by the deadline. Four other diplomats were also expelled. "They have been asked to leave India by or before 11:59 pm on October 19, 2024," the statement read.
This expulsion follows India's earlier decision to recall its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with other diplomats, citing safety concerns in the face of rising extremism and violence, which India claims is being stoked by the Canadian government.
The MEA emphasized that Canada’s treatment of Indian diplomats is unacceptable. It also suggested that further action could be taken in response to Canada's alleged support for extremism and separatist movements.
The diplomatic rift deepened after reports emerged that Canada had labeled Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in an ongoing investigation. India dismissed these claims as politically motivated and baseless.
Tensions have been high since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a terrorist designated by India, in June 2023. India has vehemently denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as "absurd."
The MEA also condemned what it sees as Canada's failure to act on extradition requests for individuals linked to terrorism and organized crime. It further criticized the fast-tracking of citizenship for individuals involved in illegal activities, highlighting the threats faced by Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.
India hinted at the possibility of additional measures if the situation continues to deteriorate, asserting that it would apply the principle of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations with Canada.
The strained ties between the two nations were exacerbated by Trudeau’s claims in the Canadian Parliament, alleging India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India has consistently rejected these claims, accusing Canada of harboring extremist elements linked to anti-India activities.
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