India and Canada in Deepening Diplomatic Dispute as Both Expel Diplomats

Ottawa’s Diplomatic Expulsions Mark Latest Step in Canada-India Tensions

On Monday, Ottawa expelled India’s top envoy and five other diplomats, a significant escalation in a months-long standoff between the two nations.

Here’s what’s fueling the tensions between Canada and India.

Why is India upset with Canada?

India strongly opposes the Khalistan separatist movement, which advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan within Indian territory. New Delhi views the movement as unconstitutional and a threat to national security.

While Canada maintains it supports India’s territorial integrity, it refuses to restrict freedom of expression, allowing Khalistan supporters to hold rallies and even organize symbolic referendums. These events draw little media attention in Canada but are often highlighted in Indian news, where the movement is portrayed as a significant threat. Some Sikh groups claim India has persecuted them for decades, accusations that New Delhi denies.

Several Sikh temples in Canada have been criticized for glorifying individuals linked to violent acts, such as the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, Canada’s deadliest terrorist attack.

Did India orchestrate a killing in Canada?

In September 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canadian intelligence was investigating “credible” information suggesting a possible link between the Indian government and the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

India initially denied any involvement but later stated that extrajudicial killings are not part of its policy.

Meanwhile, U.S. authorities in late 2023 unsealed an indictment accusing an Indian national of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot. The court documents alleged that an Indian government employee directed an assassination attempt in the U.S. and referenced Nijjar’s killing in Canada.

In May 2024, three Indian nationals were arrested in Edmonton and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Nijjar’s death. Despite India’s denials, Canada claims to have shared this intelligence with Indian officials over the weekend.

Since the accusations surfaced, India has suspended visa services for Canadians and stripped diplomatic immunity from most Canadian envoys, forcing Ottawa to repatriate a large number of its diplomats.

Why is India important to Canada?

India has been designated a “critical partner” in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, with both nations exploring trade agreements, renewable energy collaborations, and work exchange programs. Canada also imports significant amounts of lentils and potash from India, while India is a popular destination for Canadian students pursuing higher education.

Until September 2023, the two countries were engaged in negotiations for a limited trade deal focused on key sectors. Canada suspended those talks following the Nijjar allegations.

Is this primarily a political issue?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has criticized Trudeau for not taking the Khalistan separatist movement seriously.

In 2018, Trudeau’s trip to India stirred controversy when Jaspal Atwal, a B.C. Sikh convicted of attempting to assassinate an Indian cabinet minister in 1986, was invited to two events with Trudeau. Canadian officials later suggested that Atwal’s inclusion was part of an effort by Indian factions to undermine Trudeau’s visit.

A year ago, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that the root of the diplomatic discord lies in the policies of Canada’s Liberal government, which he claimed caters to certain political factions sympathetic to the Khalistan movement.

What happened on Monday?

On Monday, the RCMP alerted the public to a series of crimes, including murder, extortion, and coercion, allegedly linked to Indian government agents. After Canada confronted Indian officials over the weekend and New Delhi refused to cooperate, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats. In response, India also expelled six Canadian diplomats.