Amidst allegations over Sikh separatist’s murder, rising security concerns prompt India’s visa suspension for Canadians, intensifying the Canada-India diplomatic dispute and investigation into the assassination

Security Threats Lead to Visa Suspension in Canada-India Row

^{Credit: Google | High Commission Of India,Ottawa | Justin Trudeau}

Diplomatic relations between Canada and India have hit a new low as allegations surrounding the killing of Sikh Canadian Hardeep Singh Nijjar escalate. The Canadian government has suggested the possibility of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, causing a significant rift between the two once-close allies.

The controversy centers around surveillance conducted on Indian diplomats in Canada, involving intelligence shared by a member of the “Five Eyes” alliance, which includes the U.S., Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. While the specific ally providing intelligence remains undisclosed, it has triggered a series of events, including India halting visa issuance to Canadian citizens and requesting a reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh separatist, was gunned down in a Vancouver suburb in June. Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in his killing have resulted in diplomatic expulsions and strained relations.

#BREAKING 🇨🇦
Justin Trudeau accuses India of assassinating Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

India calls it 'absurd.'#Canada #India #Accusation #KhalistanTigerForce #tognews #todayonglobenews #todayonglobe #toge pic.twitter.com/a8b5cYJ6mc pic.twitter.com/k4ZzHJBSfM
— Today On Globe (@TodayOnGlobe) September 19, 2023

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship with India, despite the ongoing controversy. However, he reiterated Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of its citizens.

Canada’s claims have not been substantiated with public evidence, leaving room for further investigation. Bob Rae, Canada’s U.N. ambassador, emphasized the importance of pursuing justice within the framework of the rule of law.

The visa suspension announced by India has impacted Canadians’ travel plans to India, with the country being a popular destination for Canadian tourists. India cites security threats as the reason behind the suspension but has not provided specific details.

#BREAKING UPDATE🇮🇳🇨🇦
BLS International Services suspends Indian visa services in Canada due to security threats to consulate staff. India-Canada relations decline further as visa services for Canadians are halted. #India #Canada #tognews #todayonglobenews #todayonglobe #tog pic.twitter.com/UJgg79R4oy
— Today On Globe (@TodayOnGlobe) September 21, 2023

The diplomatic spat also extends to concerns about the safety of Canadian diplomats in India. While Canada maintains its consulates in India are open and continues to serve clients, threats on social media have raised security concerns.

The underlying tensions between Canada and India, especially regarding Sikh separatists, have long strained their relationship.

India’s request for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India mirrors Canada’s concerns about its diplomats’ safety.

This controversy has implications for the broader Canada-India relationship, which encompasses trade, defense, and shared interests regarding China’s global ambitions. A recent trade deal between the two nations is now on pause, and diplomatic interactions have cooled.

The row began when Canada linked India to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. India swiftly rejected the allegations, accusing Canada of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and extremists.

Prime Minister Trudeau, underlining the seriousness of the allegations, urged Indian officials to cooperate with the investigation but did not provide further details of the evidence.

While the Khalistan movement’s influence in India has diminished since the 1980s, it remains a topic of concern for the Indian government, particularly within the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK.

As this diplomatic standoff unfolds, both nations find themselves navigating the delicate balance between pursuing justice and maintaining crucial international partnerships.