Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, Stewart Wheeler, found himself at the center of a diplomatic storm on Monday as India announced the recall of its ambassador and other diplomats from Canada. This move came in response to a Canadian notification that labeled the Indian ambassador as a „person of interest“ in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.
The Indian government wasted no time in expressing its outrage at what it deemed as baseless targeting of its high commissioner and other officials in Canada. In a strongly worded statement, India’s foreign ministry condemned the actions of the Canadian government, stating that it had no faith in their commitment to ensuring the security of Indian diplomats on Canadian soil.
The strained relations between the two countries stem from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September of the previous year. Trudeau had claimed that there were credible links between the Indian government and the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India vehemently denied these accusations, dismissing them as absurd and unfounded.
The decision to recall the Indian ambassador and other diplomats from Canada underscores the seriousness of the situation and the deep rift that has developed between the two nations. It is a rare and drastic step in diplomatic relations, signaling the gravity of the accusations and the lack of trust between the governments of India and Canada.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Canadian government has yet to issue a formal statement or response to India’s actions. Messages left for the foreign ministry, foreign minister, and the prime minister’s office in Ottawa have not been returned, leaving the situation unresolved and the future of diplomatic relations uncertain.
As the fallout from this diplomatic dispute continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in international relations. The recall of diplomats and the breakdown of communication between India and Canada highlight the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect in maintaining peaceful and productive relationships between nations. Only time will tell how this situation will be resolved and whether the strained ties between India and Canada can be repaired.