Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau Criticizes India Over Sikh Separatist’s Assassination, Leading to Diplomatic Expulsions
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sharply criticized India on Monday, accusing it of a “fundamental error” following the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in 2023. The escalating diplomatic dispute between the two countries resulted in the mutual expulsion of ambassadors and other top diplomats.
During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau condemned India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing, labeling it an “unacceptable” breach of Canada’s sovereignty and international law. He also emphasized that Canada would not tolerate foreign governments engaging in criminal activities on its soil, including murder and extortion.
The row between the two nations began when Trudeau revealed “credible allegations” linking Indian intelligence services to the assassination of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and advocate for a separate Sikh state, Khalistan, in India. In response, both India and Canada expelled each other’s ambassadors and key diplomats on Monday.
Indian authorities had previously sought Nijjar’s extradition for terrorism charges, but the Canadian government condemned India’s refusal to cooperate with their investigation. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly affirmed that the decision to expel the diplomats was made after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) gathered “ample, clear, and concrete evidence” implicating Indian agents in the crime.
India called the allegations “preposterous” and threatened further actions against Canada, accusing the Trudeau government of supporting extremism. Both countries have been at odds over the issue, with tensions likely to persist as the investigation continues.
