Canada Recalls 41 Diplomats from India Amid Accusations Over Sikh Activist's Killing

Amid rising tensions, Canada responds to India's threat to strip diplomatic immunity by recalling over two thirds of its diplomats from the country, significantly reducing its diplomatic presence.

Canada has recalled 41 of the 62 Canadian diplomats in India following threats from the Indian government to revoke their diplomatic immunity, reducing Canada's diplomatic presence in the country to a third. The move comes amid escalating tensions over the June murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver, who the Canadian government alleges may have been assassinated by Indian officials.
Canadian Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, criticized India's decision as a violation of international law, stating that removing diplomatic immunity is 'unprecedented and contrary' and it puts personal safety of diplomats and their families at risk. Canada has refused to respond likewise to Indian diplomats in Canada.
The diplomatic spat began following allegations by Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, last month of 'credible allegations' of Indian involvement in Nijjar's murder. Meanwhile, the Indian government accused Canada of harboring separatists, dismissing accusations of its involvement in Nijjar's murder as 'absurd'.
The withdrawal of Canadian diplomats is expected to affect the service levels provided to citizens of both countries. In India, Canada is pausing in-person services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore, while visa processing times in Canada might be affected due to a reduction in staffing.
The dispute has started impacting the international relationships of both countries. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has raised the issue during his meeting with India's foreign minister. Canadian diplomatic relations with India have taken a hit with cancellations of planned trade missions, while the U.S. acknowledged that the fallout from the allegations could have an effect on their relationship with India.