India-Canada Diplomatic Row: In the midst of a rapidly escalating diplomatic row between Canada and India, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has issued a stern warning to Indian diplomats remaining in Canada. Joly stated that these diplomats are clearly on notice and must refrain from engaging in activities that could threaten the safety of Canadian citizens.Canadian diplomats expelled, Vienna Convention citedThey are clearly on notice, Joly said. “Six of them have been expelled, including the high commissioner in Ottawa. Others, based mainly in Toronto and Vancouver, have also been removed. We wont tolerate any diplomats violating the Vienna Convention.”This diplomatic confrontation intensified earlier this week when Canada expelled Indias high commissioner and five other diplomats. Canadian authorities accused these diplomats of involvement in a violent campaign against Sikh separatists in Canada. Joly pointed out that such a high level of transnational repression is unprecedented in Canadas history, comparing it to similar incidents involving Russia in Germany and the UK.Weve never seen this in our history. Transnational repression of this kind cannot happen on Canadian soil. Weve seen it in Europe, with Russias actions in Germany and the UK, and we needed to take a strong stance, Joly remarked.Allegations and tensions surrounding Sikh separatismAt the core of the conflict are accusations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Indian diplomats shared intelligence about Sikh activists with Indian authorities. This information, according to Canadian officials, was then passed on to criminal networks allegedly involved in the killings of pro-Khalistan activists. One high-profile case involves Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in British Columbia last year.India has firmly denied these allegations, calling them “absurd.” In response, the Indian government expelled six Canadian diplomats. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, accused Canada of sheltering individuals wanted for terrorism-related activities in India.Long-standing issues over Sikh separatismThis diplomatic standoff is part of a broader issue surrounding differing perspectives on Sikh separatism. India accuses Canada of turning a blind eye to the activities of Khalistani separatists, claiming they operate freely within Canadian borders despite being linked to terrorism charges in India.The growing tension has further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus controversial statement in September 2023, where he hinted that Indian agents might have been involved in Nijjars assassination. India had previously declared Nijjar a terrorist.
