In a growing diplomatic row, India has ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave the country by Saturday, following Canada's decision to investigate Indian officials over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader last year. Canada has similarly asked six Indian diplomats to depart.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs released a statement on Monday, expelling Canadian diplomats including Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner, and other key embassy officials. The diplomats were instructed to leave by October 19, 2024, citing “unacceptable” targeting of Indian diplomats in Canada.

Earlier, India summoned Canada’s Charge d'Affaires to strongly oppose accusations linking the Indian High Commissioner to the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death, describing the claims as baseless and harmful to bilateral relations. India also expressed concerns for the safety of its diplomats, withdrawing its High Commissioner and officials from Canada.

New Delhi criticized the Canadian government for fostering extremism and separatist movements, specifically referencing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s past actions, which India sees as supporting anti-India elements. In 2018, Trudeau’s visit to India faced backlash, and his administration has been accused of aligning with extremist groups.

The diplomatic conflict arose after Trudeau’s allegations in September last year, which suggested a potential link between Indian agents and the murder of Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader advocating for a Khalistan state. Nijjar, who was wanted in India for terrorism-related charges, was killed in June 2023 in British Columbia, Canada. India has vehemently denied any involvement, calling the claims “absurd.”

This latest expulsion marks a significant downturn in already strained India-Canada relations, with both nations reserving the right to take further actions in response.