India has escalated its diplomatic row with Canada by withdrawing its high commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with other diplomats, following allegations from Canada that they were named as “persons of interest” in the murder investigation of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

This diplomatic fallout stems from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations last year that India’s government might have been involved in Nijjar’s killing, which took place outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June 2023. India has strongly denied these allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated and lacking evidence.

India’s foreign ministry released a forceful statement condemning Canada’s allegations and defending Verma’s 36-year diplomatic career. The ministry summoned Canada’s deputy head of mission in Delhi, Stuart Wheeler, to express discontent with the accusations. It conveyed the decision to withdraw the diplomats due to security concerns.

The Nijjar case, tied to the Khalistan movement for a separate Sikh homeland, has been a flashpoint in India-Canada relations, leading to a series of retaliatory measures, including the expulsion of diplomats and the suspension of visa services.

Despite attempts to ease tensions, with India resuming visa services in October 2023, the current diplomatic rift has significantly strained relations, further complicated by recent remarks from Canada’s foreign minister suggesting the possibility of more such killings on Canadian soil.