Satyanarayan Mohapatra
A diplomatic storm has erupted between India and Canada, plunging the relationship between the two nations. Accusations, expulsions, and a war of words have marked this escalating row, raising concerns about the future of Indo-Canadian ties.
The dispute:
The conflict centers on the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani extremist who was gunned down in Canada last year. Canada has accused India of orchestrating the assassination and has expelled a senior Indian diplomat in connection with the case. India vehemently denies these allegations, dismissing them as "absurd and motivated" and retaliating with the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat.
Canada's claims and India's response:
Canada has claimed that its investigation into Nijjar's killing has uncovered credible evidence linking Indian government agents to the crime. However, despite repeated requests from India, Canada has not shared any evidence to support these claims.
India has accused Canada of harbouring Khalistani extremists and failing to address India's concerns about their activities. New Delhi has also criticized Canada for providing a safe haven for individuals with links to organized crime, including gangsters involved in violence in India.
The Diplomatic fallout:
The ongoing row has led to a series of diplomatic actions and reactions:
- Canada expels Indian diplomat: Canada declared a senior Indian diplomat "persona non grata" and expelled him from the country.
- India retaliates: India responded by expelling a Canadian diplomat(s) in a tit-for-tat move.
- India recalls High Commissioner: India has recalled its High Commissioner to Canada for consultations, signaling a further escalation of the dispute.
- Travel advisories issued: Both countries have issued travel advisories, cautioning their citizens about potential risks associated with traveling to the other country.
The "Bishnoi Gang" angle:
Adding fuel to the fire, Canada has alleged that Indian agents are collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organization in India, to target pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. This claim, coming at a time when Bishnoi is in the news for his alleged involvement in the murder of a political leader in India, has further heightened tensions.
The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada is a serious matter with potential implications for trade, security, and people-to-people ties between the two nations. Resolving this dispute will require both sides to engage in constructive dialogue, share evidence, and address each other's concerns. The international community is closely watching this this Indo Canadian diplomatic situation, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions between India and Canada.
DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Prameya's or Prameya News7 editorial stance.
