Overview

• Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has been expelled following allegations of involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which he denies.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims are based on intelligence rather than concrete evidence, leading to a diplomatic standoff between Canada and India.
• India has dismissed Canada's allegations as politically motivated and has responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.
• The diplomatic row has intensified longstanding tensions over the presence of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, which India views as a threat to its national security.
• Despite the serious accusations, both nations maintain strong trade and cultural ties, though political relations have hit a historic low.