India recalls high commissioner amid growing diplomatic crisis with Canada
Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have been steadily declining since last September, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar's murder.
New Delhi: India has officially withdrawn its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with several senior diplomats, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. This move comes after Canada labeled the Indian High Commissioner and other officials as 'persons of interest' in an ongoing investigation into the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Growing concerns over extremism
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India voiced concerns over the growing extremism and violence in Canada, which have raised significant threats to the safety of its diplomats. "We have lost faith in the Canadian government's ability to ensure their security. As a result, India has chosen to withdraw the High Commissioner and other officials under threat," the statement read.
India calls actions unacceptable
Previously, Stewart Wheeler, Canada’s Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi, was summoned by the Indian government to express strong disapproval of the alleged harassment of its diplomats. India called the targeting of its officials "completely unacceptable" and warned of potential further action against the Trudeau administration, citing its perceived support for extremism and separatist movements.
Canada's Stand
In response, Wheeler reaffirmed Canada's stance, claiming that credible evidence links Indian agents to the killing of a Canadian citizen. "It is time for India to follow through on its commitment and thoroughly investigate the allegations," Wheeler commented, emphasizing the need for cooperation between the two nations to address these grave concerns.
Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have been steadily declining since last September, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar's murder. India has strongly denied these allegations, calling them "baseless and politically motivated," while urging for a more constructive approach to resolving tensions.
