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India recalls top envoy to Canada amid escalating row over Sikh separatist murder investigation

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Canada has accused India of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, citing credible evidence and intercepted communications. In response, India has withdrawn its top diplomat to Ottawa, along with other diplomats, citing concerns for their safety. India has rejected Canada's allegations as "preposterous imputations", demanding concrete evidence to support the claims. The exact circumstances surrounding Nijjar's death are disputed, with some sources suggesting that Canada has evidence linking Indian agents to the crime. The diplomatic standoff has led to a tense situation between the two countries, with India accusing Canada of creating an "atmosphere of extremism and violence" for its diplomats.

    1. Regrettably, as India did not agree and given the ongoing public safety concerns for Canadians, Canada served notices of expulsion to these individuals. Subsequent to those notices, India announced it would withdraw its officials.
    1. Evidence also shows that a wide variety of entities in Canada and abroad have been used by agents of the government of India to collect information. Some of these individuals and businesses were coerced and threatened into working for the government of India. The information collected for the government of India is then used to target members of the South Asian community.
    1. Despite law enforcement action, the harm has continued, posing a serious threat to our public safety.
    1. This represents a significant slide in Canada-India relations under the Trudeau government.
    1. This relationship has been on a downward trajectory for several years, but it's now hit rock bottom.
    2. Publicly laying out extremely serious and detailed allegations, withdrawing ambassadors and top diplomats, releasing diplomatic statements with blistering language. This is uncharted territory, even for this troubled relationship.
    3. There's a lot at play that explains the rapid deterioration in bilateral ties. This includes a fundamental disconnect: what India views, or projects, as a dangerous threat is seen by Canada as mere activism and dissent protected by free speech. And neither is willing to make concessions.
India recalls top envoy to Canada amid escalating row over Sikh separatist murder investigation