The Canada–India diplomatic crisis was a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India that started in September 2023, with periodic escalation throughout the following year.

Background

Hardeep Singh Nijjar (11 October 1977 – 18 June 2023) was a Canadian Sikh involved with the Khalistan movement. He was a prominent member of Sikhs for Justice and spearheaded the group’s Khalistan Referendum campaign. Born in India, Nijjar emigrated to Canada in the mid-1990s. The Indian government accused him of being a criminal and terrorist affiliated with the militant Khalistan Tiger Force, and sought his arrest. Nijjar and his supporters rejected these allegations, saying he advocated peaceful means for the creation of Khalistan.

On 18 June 2023, Nijjar was shot and killed in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.

Trigger

On 18 September 2023, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canadian intelligence agencies were pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and the assassination of Nijjar.

Diplomatic developments

The diplomatic row was initially triggered by Trudeau’s allegations. The ongoing tensions between India and Canada were largely fuelled by disagreements over the Sikh separatist and militant Khalistan movement and its active supporters.

The dispute led to a prolonged diplomatic stand-off between the countries. Both countries expelled diplomatic staff, claiming interference in the other’s internal affairs. In 2023, both countries expelled members of each other’s diplomatic staff and advised their citizens against traveling to the other; Canada closed three consulates in India. In October 2024, Canada expelled Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, along with five other diplomats. India retaliated with six expulsions of its own.

Leaders of various nations released statements expressing concern on the stand-off.