Canada-India diplomatic tensions worsen over accusations about Sikh leader’s murder
- India denies allegations of involvement in Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s slaying
- Tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions mark a new low for ties between India and Canada
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Canadian PM says authorities investigating ‘credible’ links to India on Sikh leader’s murder
Canada expelled a top Indian diplomat as it investigates what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called credible allegations its government may have had links to the assassination in Canada of a Sikh activist.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India’s government of masterminding the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader, an explosive allegation that threatens to alter perceptions of the South Asian democracy among US allies.
“Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty,” Trudeau told parliament. “In the strongest possible terms I continue to urge the government of India to cooperate with Canada to get to the bottom of this matter.”
Canada’s accusation puts the US and its allies in an awkward spot soon after leaders including President Joe Biden hailed close ties with India at the G20 summit earlier this month.