Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, amid a diplomatic row over the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This move came after India expelled six Canadian diplomats in retaliation. Tensions between the two countries began in 2018 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended a controversial dinner that included a former member of a Sikh separatist group. The situation escalated in 2020 when Trudeau expressed concern over the treatment of farmers in India, leading to backlash from the Indian government. The killing of Nijjar in June 2023 further strained relations, resulting in the suspension of trade negotiations and expulsion of diplomats on both sides. In October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats after evidence pointed to Indian government agents engaging in threatening and violent acts in Canada. India rejected the accusations as absurd and ordered the expulsion of Canadian diplomats. The ongoing tension has led to a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The situation remains sensitive as investigations into Nijjar’s death continue, with arrests made and charges filed against several individuals. The impact of these diplomatic disputes extends beyond the two governments, affecting communities in both countries and highlighting the complexities of international relations.
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