India withdraws high commissioner from Canada amid rising diplomatic tensions

India has made the decision to withdraw its high commissioner and other key diplomats from Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on October 14, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.

The move comes in response to allegations made by Canada, which linked Indian officials to the murder investigation of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The MEA summoned Canada’s Charge d'Affaires, Stewart Wheeler, to deliver a firm message about the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel in Canada.

“The baseless targeting of our High Commissioner and other diplomats is entirely unacceptable,” said the ministry in a statement. "In an environment rife with extremism and violence, the actions of the Trudeau Government have jeopardized their security.

Also Read: India calls Canadian accusations absurd amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, labeling it as Justin Trudeau's ‘Vote Bank Politics’

As a result, India has decided to recall its High Commissioner and other officials from Canada."

The MEA’s statement highlighted concerns over Canada’s inability to guarantee the safety of Indian diplomats, citing a lack of trust in the current Canadian administration.

The ministry emphasized, “India reserves the right to take further steps in response to Canada’s continued support for extremism, violence, and separatist elements against India.”

Stewart Wheeler, Canada’s Charge d'Affaires, responded to the escalating situation by reiterating Ottawa’s stance. “Canada has presented credible evidence linking Indian government agents to the killing of a Canadian citizen on our soil,” Wheeler said.

He urged India to fully investigate the allegations; expressing that cooperation between the two countries would serve the best interests of both nations.

The diplomatic row has intensified following Canada’s decision to name the Indian high commissioner as a "person of interest" in the investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination.

Nijjar, a known Khalistani extremist, was killed last year, and his death has since been a focal point of tension between India and Canada.

Earlier in the day, the MEA strongly condemned Canada’s accusations, rejecting them outright. “We have received a diplomatic communication from Canada claiming that our diplomats are involved in a matter related to their investigation.

The Government of India firmly rejects these absurd accusations and sees them as part of the Trudeau Government’s political agenda, which appears to be driven by vote bank politics,” the ministry stated.

The deteriorating relationship between the two nations continues to raise concerns, with India asserting that it will respond forcefully to any actions that threaten its national security and diplomatic interests.