In a significant diplomatic move, India expelled six Canadian diplomats on Monday, following its earlier decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner and other key diplomats from Ottawa. This development marks an intensification of tensions between the two nations, triggered by a highly sensitive investigation into the killing of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Names of Expelled Diplomats
The Government of India has decided to expel the following 6 Canadian Diplomats: Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner, Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner, Marie Catherine Joly, First Secretary, lan Ross David Trites, First Secretary, Adam James Chuipka, First… pic.twitter.com/bdaRf1i0H4
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2024
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released the names of the diplomats who were ordered to leave India by 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The list includes Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, and first secretaries Marie Catherine Joly, Ian Ross David Trites, Adam James Chuipka, and Paula Orjuela.
The Trigger: Allegations Against Indian Diplomats
The diplomatic rift began when Canada labeled the Indian High Commissioner and other officials as ‘persons of interest’ in its investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This move by Canada sparked a strong response from India, which fiercely rejected the accusations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at securing “vote bank politics” in Canada.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier summoned the Canadian Charge d’Affaires to protest Ottawa’s actions, emphasizing that the safety of Indian officials was being compromised in an environment of “extremism and violence.” The MEA also expressed a complete lack of faith in the Trudeau government’s ability to ensure the security of Indian diplomats, which led to the decision to withdraw the High Commissioner and other diplomats.
Canada’s Response
In a press briefing, Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheelers defended his country’s actions, stating that Canada had provided “credible, irrefutable evidence” linking Indian officials to the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Wheeler urged India to investigate the allegations and cooperate, emphasizing that resolving the issue is in the best interest of both countries.
Escalating Diplomatic Fallout
The dispute continues to unravel as both countries stand firm in their positions. Canada’s probe into the murder of Nijjar, who was associated with the Khalistani movement, has turned into a flashpoint for broader diplomatic tensions. India, in its response, has reserved the right to take further action against Canada in light of what it describes as Ottawa’s “support for extremism, violence, and separatism” against India.
This ongoing diplomatic standoff now leaves the future of Indo-Canadian relations hanging in the balance, with the potential for more retaliatory measures as tensions flare.