On Monday, India escalated the ongoing diplomatic row with Canada by expelling six Canadian diplomats. This move follows increasing tensions between the two countries after Ottawa’s accusations in the murder of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an official statement listing the names of the diplomats, who have been asked to leave India by 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
The expelled diplomats include Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, along with First Secretaries Marie Catherine Joly, Ian Ross David Trites, Adam James Chuipka, and Paula Orjuela. This significant step reflects India’s firm stance against what it views as Canada’s unjustified targeting of Indian officials.
Earlier the same evening, the MEA also announced that it is recalling its High Commissioner to Canada and several other Indian diplomats. The move comes after Canadian authorities labeled these Indian officials as “persons of interest” in connection to their investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known pro-Khalistani terrorist. India has consistently denied any involvement in the incident and decried the allegations as politically motivated.
In its statement, the Indian government expressed deep dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s actions and highlighted that its diplomats are being unfairly targeted. India made it clear that it will continue to take necessary actions to protect its national interests and the safety of its diplomats.
