Canada and India expel top envoys in dispute over assassination of Sikh activist

Canada and India each expelled six diplomats on Monday, including their respective ambassadors, in tit-for-tat moves as part of an escalating dispute over the June 2023 assassination of a Sikh activist in Canada.

India and Canada each expelled the other's ambassador and five other top diplomats, after New Delhi said its envoy had been named among "persons of interest" following the killing of a Sikh separatist leader.

New Delhi said it was withdrawing its six diplomats from Canada, but Ottawa said it had served them notices of expulsion.

"Subsequent to those notices, India announced it would withdraw its officials," a statement from the Canadian foreign ministry said.

The 2023 murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar crashed the country's diplomatic relations with India after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were "credible allegations" linking Indian intelligence services to the crime.

The expulsion of the diplomats – including the most senior envoys on both sides – is a major escalation in the row.

India "decided to expel" Ottawa's acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler, his deputy and four first secretaries, ordering they leave before midnight on Sunday.

He had been wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.


Read more on FRANCE 24 English

Read also:
Canadian police arrest three in slaying of Sikh separatist that strained ties with India
Sikh leader's murder in Canada shines spotlight on shadowy Indian spy agency
US delegation visits India to discuss alleged plot to murder Sikh separatist