India has decided to withdraw its High Commissioner from Canada following diplomatic tensions between the two countries. This move comes after Canada identified the Indian High Commissioner and other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in an ongoing investigation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs explained that they no longer trust the Canadian government to keep their diplomats safe.

Six Canadian diplomats expelled by India

 

As tensions between India and Canada increase, India has ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave the country by October 19, 2024. One of these diplomats is Stewart Wheeler, who is temporarily in charge because the main Canadian High Commissioner, Cameron MacKay, is not in India right now. The other diplomats being sent out of India are Patrick Hebert, Marie Catherine Joly, Ian Ross David Trites, Adam James Chuipka, and Paula Orjuela, all of whom hold important positions at the Canadian embassy.

 

Relations between India and Canada worsen after investigation

 

The diplomatic problem started when Canada officially told India that its top diplomat (the High Commissioner) and other Indian diplomats were being investigated for something they didn't reveal. In response, India called Stewart Wheeler to a meeting to tell him that this action against Indian diplomats was not acceptable. India also said that the Canadian government's actions were putting the safety of Indian diplomats at risk.

India's Ministry of External Affairs shared its worries about growing extremism and violence in Canada, blaming the Trudeau government for not doing enough to protect Indian diplomats there. The MEA said, "We do not trust the Canadian government to keep our diplomats safe." The statement also suggested that India might take more actions if Canada continues to support groups that promote extremism, violence, and separation from India.

Canadian officials say they have strong evidence that links Indian agents to some incidents, including secret activities by Indian diplomats. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police held a press conference where they claimed that Indian diplomats in Canada were using their roles to gather information. However, they did not share specific details or give any examples of these cases.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, agreed with the decision to send the Indian diplomats away, saying it was based on strong evidence collected by the RCMP. She asked India to assist with the ongoing investigation, especially about the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader who was killed in June last year. Before this, Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar's death, but India denied this and called the accusation absurd.

Relations between India and Canada have gotten much worse since these accusations came up in September 2023. This has made it even harder for the two countries to work together diplomatically. It is still unclear how this recent situation will impact their relationship in the future.