Canada Expels Six Indian Officials Amid Escalating Diplomatic Dispute Over Alleged Involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar Killing
Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian government has taken unprecedented action by expelling six officials linked to the Indian government following allegations that they were involved in violent criminal activities on Canadian soil, including the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader. The move comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had presented “clear and compelling” evidence against the individuals, sparking a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
In a statement released on October 14, 2024, Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and the safety of its citizens, detailing a series of concerning activities allegedly tied to Indian agents. These include clandestine intelligence gathering, coercion targeting South Asian Canadians, and involvement in over a dozen incidents of violence, including Nijjar’s death.
“Canada is a country rooted in the rule of law, and the protection of our citizens is paramount,” Trudeau stated. “The evidence brought to light by the RCMP cannot be ignored. It leads to one conclusion: it is necessary to disrupt the criminal activities that continue to pose a threat to public safety in Canada.”
The individuals being expelled were declared “persons of interest” by the RCMP following an investigation into these alleged activities. The Canadian government met with Indian officials over the weekend to present evidence and request cooperation, but according to Trudeau, the Indian government declined to collaborate on the investigation.
In light of India’s refusal to engage with the inquiry, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly issued deportation orders to the six individuals. The officials will no longer hold diplomatic status in Canada, nor will they be permitted to re-enter the country.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme underscored the seriousness of the situation, describing the evidence as demonstrating a significant threat to public safety. “This is unacceptable,” Duheme stated, adding that the investigation will continue despite the diplomatic tensions.
The expulsions mark a low point in Canada-India relations, which have been strained since the killing of Nijjar, a vocal advocate for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan. The incident sparked outrage within Canada’s large Sikh community, leading to calls for accountability and justice. Nijjar was shot and killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023, in what is being treated as a targeted assassination.
In his address, Trudeau acknowledged the concerns of Canadians, particularly within Indo-Canadian and Sikh communities, who may feel threatened by these revelations. “Many of you are angry, upset, and frightened,” he said. “I get that. This shouldn’t happen. Canada and India have a long and storied history rooted in strong people-to-people ties and business investments, but we cannot abide by what we are seeing right now.”
The Indian government has consistently denied any involvement in Nijjar’s death or any illegal operations in Canada. The latest developments are likely to exacerbate tensions, as Canada continues to call for India’s cooperation in the investigation.
Trudeau reaffirmed that the Canadian government will not tolerate foreign governments threatening the safety of Canadian citizens or violating Canada’s sovereignty. He urged India to respect international law and reiterated that Canada is committed to ensuring justice for Nijjar and safeguarding all Canadians.
This diplomatic fallout comes at a time when Canada and India are also grappling with complex trade and security issues, raising concerns over the broader impact on bilateral relations. As investigations continue, the question remains whether this incident will prompt changes in diplomatic approaches between the two nations or further deepen the divide.
GTA Today will provide updates on the situation as new information emerges.