India, Canada expel diplomats amid row over Sikh Sikh separatist's death

By Kim Joo-heon Posted : October 15, 2024, 15:06 Updated : October 15, 2024, 15:06
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 9, 2023. Reuters-Yonhap
SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - India and Canada have once again expelled each other's diplomats, escalating tensions over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada last June, according to reports on Monday.

Canada's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats and consular staff in connection with the investigation into the killing. Canadian police said criminal activities involving Indian government officials were ongoing.

In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including a chargé d'affaires, citing safety concerns.

The diplomatic rift began in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that an Indian government agent was behind the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader with Canadian citizenship. 

At that time, Canadian authorities expelled one Indian diplomat, and the Indian government retaliated by expelling a Canadian diplomat.

India also temporarily suspended visa issuance to Canadians, citing safety concerns for its diplomats in Canada.

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