3rd October 2023, Mumbai: The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated, with India issuing a demand for Canada to withdraw around 40 diplomats by October 10, according to reports. Canada currently has 62 diplomats in India, and India has insisted on a reduction by 41 diplomats.
India Vs Canada Disputes
This diplomatic dispute has its roots in Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent allegations that the Indian government might be involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey on June 18. Trudeau’s claims were made during a debate in the Canadian Parliament, where he suggested that “agents of the Indian government” could have been responsible for Nijjar’s killing. India swiftly rejected these allegations, deeming them “absurd” and “motivated.”
S Jaishankar’s Important Role in the India VS Canada Dispute
The Indian government has argued that Canada has not provided any public evidence to substantiate these claims regarding Nijjar’s death. India’s external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, pointed out that the issue between the two countries has persisted due to Canada’s perceived “permissiveness” regarding terrorism, extremism, and violence within its borders. Jaishankar clarified that the current situation is not a “deadlock,” and India is open to considering any specific and relevant information provided by Canada regarding the matter.
Nijjar’s Death blamed on India?
The United States has also become involved in this diplomatic dispute. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his meeting with Jaishankar, raised the issue and urged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation into Nijjar’s death. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller stated that the U.S. has engaged with the Indian government on multiple occasions, emphasizing the need for cooperation with Canada’s investigation.
The situation remains tense, with India’s demand for the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats reflecting the strain in bilateral relations. It remains to be seen how this diplomatic standoff will evolve in the coming days and whether diplomatic channels can be used to resolve the issue.
By Yashika Desai