India and Canada are facing tensions as India has demanded that Canada withdraw around 40 diplomats by October 10. The demand came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Canada in June.
India Takes a Tough Stand Against Terrorism
Trudeau claimed in the Canadian Parliament that “agents of the Indian government” might have carried out the killing. However, India has stated that Canada has not provided any public evidence to support this allegation. India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, pointed out that the issue stems from Canada’s lenient stance on terrorism, extremism, and violence within its borders.
Diplomatic Strain Due to Lack of Proof
The situation escalated when India insisted on Canada repatriating 40 diplomats, a move seen as a response to Trudeau’s allegations. India has not issued an official statement on this demand yet. Jaishankar clarified that while the situation isn’t a complete deadlock, the Indian government is willing to consider any specific and relevant information shared by the Canadian side regarding the issue.
United States Gets Involved, Adding Complexity
Adding to the complexity, the US government, under President Joe Biden, has engaged with India, encouraging cooperation with Canada in the investigations related to Singh Nijjar’s death. This international involvement further underscores the seriousness of the situation.
(With inputs from Hindustan times)
