15 Oct 2024 | 07:44 PM UTC
Canada, India: Bilateral tensions, related diplomatic service disruptions likely through at least October after both sides announce diplomatic expulsions
Consular disruptions likely at diplomatic facilities in Canada and India through October after both sides announce diplomatic expulsions.
Bilateral tensions between Canada and India will likely cause diplomatic service disruptions through at least late October following recent announcements ordering the expulsion of top envoys from both countries. On Oct. 14, Canadian and Indian officials announced that they would expel several of the other country's diplomats amid escalating tensions stemming from allegations regarding the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in Canada. The Canadian government has issued a notice of expulsion to six diplomats, including the Indian high commissioner. In response, India has requested the withdrawal of six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner, by Oct. 19.
The diplomatic row and staff reductions are likely to disrupt consular services at diplomatic facilities in both countries over the coming weeks. In 2023, Canada and India suspended several visa application processes at their diplomatic facilities in the other country in response to Nijjar's killing and the subsequent diplomatic fallout; both sides may similarly announce suspensions of visa services or other diplomatic processes over the coming weeks.
Confirm all transport arrangements before departure if traveling between India and Canada. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.
The ongoing bilateral diplomatic tensions have persisted since September 2023. On Sept. 18, 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted there were "credible allegations" of the Indian government's involvement in the killing of Nijjar, a Canadian national. India has denied the allegations. Both countries previously expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat move and advised their respective citizens to exercise heightened caution when traveling to the other nation.
In recent days, bilateral tensions again surged after Trudeau accused agents affiliated with the Indian government of violence targeting Sikh separatist activists in Canada. India has dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, asserting that Canada has failed to provide evidence to substantiate its claims.
