Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has warned the remaining Indian diplomats in Canada not to endanger Canadian lives amid escalating tensions over allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The diplomatic conflict erupted when Canada expelled India’s high commissioner and five other diplomats, accusing them of ties to violence and intimidation against Sikh separatists in the country. Joly stated this level of “transnational repression” is unprecedented in Canada and cited similar actions by Russia in Europe. She emphasized that Indian diplomats are “clearly on notice” and any further violations would not be tolerated, referencing the Vienna Convention.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) allege that Indian diplomats shared information about Sikh activists with Indian authorities, who passed it to organized crime groups linked to extortion and assassinations, including Nijjar’s killing. India has dismissed these claims as “absurd” and expelled six Canadian diplomats in retaliation. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, accused Canada of harboring individuals wanted for terrorism in India, highlighting 26 unresolved extradition requests.
The diplomatic friction intensifies an already strained relationship following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s September 2023 statement suggesting Indian agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s murder. India had labeled Nijjar a terrorist, and his assassination near a Surrey gurdwara remains a contentious issue. New Delhi has accused Ottawa of ignoring the activities of Khalistani separatists, asserting these activists operate freely in Canada despite links to terrorism-related offenses in India. This diplomatic row underscores the deepening discord between the two nations over security and sovereignty concerns.
Original Story https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-remaining-diplomats-clearly-on-notice-not-to-canada-foreign-minister-101729296891603.html
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