India Recalls Ambassador From Canada Amid Growing Dispute
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India, Canada Expel Diplomats Over Murder Accusations
Above: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India. Image copyright: Vipin Kumar/Contributor/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
The Facts
India and Canada have expelled each other's six top diplomats over allegations that Indian officials were linked to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Nijjar, who became a Canadian citizen in 2015 and sought an independent homeland — known as Khalistan — for Sikhs in India, was killed in June 2023 at a Sikh temple in Vancouver.
The Spin
Narrative A
Canadian authorities are simply following the clear and compelling evidence of a murder investigation. Not only were these diplomats involved in the murder of Nijjar, but Indian officials, stretching all the way to the top of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, are linked to multiple murders on Canadian soil. The least Canada can do for the victims is expel these perpetrators from the country.
Narrative B
This is a politically motivated act. Trudeau and his government have yet to present any of the so-called "evidence" linking the Indian government to these murders. More importantly, Trudeau's allegations are solely based on his desire to shore up support from Sikh voters whom he relies on to stay in power. Trudeau's cabinet is full of pro-Sikh separatists, which clearly shows his bias in this matter.