Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, announced that the remaining Indian diplomats in Canada are “clearly on notice,” as bilateral relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate. This follows the expulsion of six Indian diplomats earlier this week after Canada named Indian officials as “persons of interest” in the investigation into the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist.
Speaking at a press briefing, Joly emphasized that Canada “will not tolerate any diplomats who endanger the safety of Canadians or breach the Vienna Convention.” The Vienna Convention outlines international protocols regarding diplomatic conduct and immunity. “They are clearly on notice,” Joly stated, adding that the expulsion included diplomats from Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.
The diplomatic rift began when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised allegations in Parliament in September 2023, accusing Indian officials of involvement in Nijjar’s murder in British Columbia. India dismissed these allegations as “politically motivated” and denied any wrongdoing. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently escalated the issue by naming the Indian Ambassador and other officials as persons of interest.
Foreign Minister Joly also highlighted concerns over “transnational repression” linked to Indian diplomats, drawing parallels with Russian activities in Germany and the UK. “This level of repression cannot happen on Canadian soil,” she asserted.
In a reciprocal move, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of its High Commissioner from Ottawa. Tensions further escalated in October 2023 when Canada reduced its diplomatic presence in India, withdrawing over 40 diplomats.
