New Delhi, October 15, 2024 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, summoned the Canadian Charge d’Affaires this evening, raising strong objections over what it described as “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats and officials in Canada. The MEA conveyed that such actions by the Trudeau government were “completely unacceptable” and endangered the safety of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomatic personnel.
In an official statement, the MEA emphasized that the atmosphere of “extremism and violence” in Canada posed serious threats to Indian diplomats. “We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security,” the ministry declared, justifying the decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner and other officials from Canada.
As part of retaliatory measures, India announced the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats. They have been asked to leave Indian soil by 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The diplomats ordered to depart are:
- Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler – Acting High Commissioner
- Mr. Patrick Hebert – Deputy High Commissioner
- Ms. Marie Catherine Joly – First Secretary
- Mr. Ian Ross David Trites – First Secretary
- Mr. Adam James Chuipka – First Secretary
- Ms. Paula Orjuela – First Secretary
Reason for Diplomatic Tension
Relations between India and Canada have been deteriorating due to allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist, in British Columbia earlier this year. Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India, advocated for the creation of an independent Sikh state. Trudeau’s public accusation sparked outrage in New Delhi, with India vehemently denying the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.”
India responded by criticizing Canada’s failure to address the presence of extremist elements on its soil. New Delhi accused Ottawa of sheltering individuals and groups promoting separatism and violence against India under the guise of political freedom. The Indian government views these activities as a threat to its sovereignty and a serious security concern.
The diplomatic expulsion announced today is part of a broader fallout from these tensions, with both countries scaling back engagement. Trade talks between India and Canada have already stalled, and relations are now at one of their lowest points in recent history.
This escalation raises further questions about the future of bilateral relations between the two countries, with both sides showing little willingness to back down.
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