India Summons Canada Envoy Amid Diplomatic Escalation

In a new low for India-Canada relations, India summoned Stewart Wheeler, Canada’s charge d’affaires, following allegations that Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, are being treated as "persons of interest" in Canada’s investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The Root of the Conflict

The tensions between the two nations began after the 2023 killing of Nijjar, whom India had declared a terrorist in 2020. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in Nijjar's death, labeling it a violation of Canadian sovereignty. India rejected the allegations as baseless, calling them "absurd" and politically motivated.

India’s Response to Canada’s Investigation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement condemning the diplomatic development. India described the Canadian investigation as a smear campaign driven by Trudeau’s "vote bank politics," aimed at appealing to domestic constituencies sympathetic to the Khalistani cause.

"High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma is a distinguished diplomat with over three decades of service," the MEA stated, adding that the accusations against him were "ludicrous." India warned that it might take further steps if Canada continues what it sees as a deliberate attempt to malign its officials.

Impact of the Conflict on Diplomacy

The ongoing tensions are not new. India has long expressed frustration over Canada’s failure to curb Khalistani extremism on its soil. The Sikh community, comprising around 770,000 people in Canada, holds considerable political sway, complicating the situation for Trudeau’s government.

A recent meeting between Prime Ministers Modi and Trudeau on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit failed to resolve these tensions. India views Canada’s allegations as part of a broader pattern of interference, while Canada insists it is upholding its laws and investigating a grave security matter.

Conclusion

This escalating diplomatic row showcases how geopolitical conflicts can intersect with internal political dynamics, posing challenges for both nations. As the situation unfolds, further actions on both sides could determine the future of bilateral relations. India’s strong response signals that it is unwilling to tolerate accusations without concrete evidence, while Canada faces pressure to balance international diplomacy with domestic political realities.

Reference From: www.ndtv.com