Speaking out on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood resolute in his allegations that India was implicated in the death of Sikh independence advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was tragically shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, in June. Trudeau expressed his concerns, stating, “India – and the government of India – needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that. We are not looking to provoke or escalate. We are simply laying out the facts as we understand them.” **The Canadian leader went on to describe the allegations as "extremely serious" and cautioned that there could be "far-reaching consequences" in international law. He affirmed that Canada would follow the evidence diligently to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Late on Monday, Canada’s foreign minister expelled Pavan Kumar Rai, the most senior member of India’s foreign intelligence agency operating in Canada. In swift retaliation, Indian authorities ordered a senior Canadian diplomat to leave the country within five days, after summoning the high commissioner, Cameron Mackay. While Canadian officials have not officially identified the diplomat, local media reports have named Olivier Sylvestre, the station chief for Canada’s intelligence agency in New Delhi. Canada also updated its travel advice on Tuesday, warning visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.

A senior Canadian official disclosed that the country had worked “very closely” with the United States on the intelligence behind Trudeau’s accusation. In a statement on Tuesday, the US State Department expressed deep concern about the allegations and stressed the critical importance of Canada's investigation, although it did not confirm the provision of intelligence to Canadian counterparts. British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, voiced support for Canada's investigation and emphasized the expectation of India’s "full cooperation" in the inquiry. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs defended the expulsion, citing "growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities." India reiterated allegations that Canada was providing safe haven to "Khalistani terrorists and extremists," which it claims undermines India’s "sovereignty and territorial integrity." India has long demanded that Canada take action against the Sikh independence movement, which is banned in India but enjoys support in countries with large Sikh diaspora populations, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. Canada, with about 770,000 Sikhs, the largest population outside Punjab, accounts for 2% of the country’s population and is central to the dispute. On social media, prominent Indian figures sharply criticized Trudeau, with one lawmaker referring to the Canadian prime minister as "the biggest joker masquerading as a leader that currently exists on the planet." A retired general, Gaurav Arya, called for the closure of the Canadian diplomatic mission and issued a warning for Canadians to "shut shop and leave, before you are thrown out." Trudeau's announcement on Monday that Canada’s security agencies believe “agents of India” played a role in Nijjar’s death sent shockwaves through the country and prompted calls for the federal government to disclose more details of the investigation. David Eby, the premier of British Columbia, also called for transparency, stating, “I call, yet again, on the federal government to share all relevant information related to any known ongoing foreign interference and transnational organized crime threats with our provincial authorities and our government, so we may act in coordination and protect those at risk.” The investigation into Nijjar's assassination remains ongoing, with police yet to publicly identify the two masked men responsible for the attack. The incident, which occurred outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver, left Nijjar dead and sparked a wave of questions and speculations about the motives behind the crime. Nijjar's son, Balraj, expressed his long-standing suspicion that India was behind the killing, stating, “It was just a matter of time for when the truth would come out.” The World Sikh Organization echoed these allegations, asserting that they confirm “what Sikhs in Canada have known for decades,” which is that India actively targets dissidents abroad. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who leads Sikhs for Justice and served as Nijjar’s lawyer, revealed that his client had been warned by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) about threats against his life in the days leading up to the shooting. Pannun has since called for the immediate expulsion of the Indian high commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, took to social media to refute baseless rumors, confirming that Nijjar became a Canadian citizen in 2015, emphasizing that his citizenship was legitimate. These revelations come only weeks after the Canadian federal government announced the appointment of Quebec judge Marie-Josée Hogue to head a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada, focusing on China, Russia, and other foreign states and non-state actors. However, the ongoing dispute with India may lead to calls for India's inclusion in the investigation. Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, has already requested India's inclusion in the public inquiry. In a letter to Judge Hogue, Singh wrote, “Yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister confirms that these suspicions are valid.” The potential inclusion of India in this inquiry could have significant diplomatic ramifications.

The Row's Global Implications:
The intensifying diplomatic row between Canada and India threatens to have broader global implications, potentially dividing Western allies and impacting international relationships. Western nations, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, are working to ensure that the dispute does not spill over into other international alliances.
India's Role on the World Stage:
India's significance on the world stage as a growing power, the most populous country globally, and the fifth-largest economy cannot be underestimated. It is also considered a potential ally against the influence of China in Asia, a consideration that complicates Western responses to the dispute. At a recent G20 meeting, Western allies, in an effort to preserve their relationship with India, refrained from explicitly condemning Russia by name for its invasion of Ukraine, a move that stirred controversy. Maintaining positive relations with India is seen as crucial for Western nations pursuing diplomatic efforts to win over developing countries and counterbalance China's influence.
Allies' Response to the Dispute:
Canada's allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have expressed deep concern about the allegations and have communicated their concerns to India at senior diplomatic levels. However, they have adopted a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of Canada's ongoing investigation.
Potential Economic Consequences:
The deepening estrangement between Canada and India could have economic implications, albeit relatively modest ones. Canadian investors have been increasingly active in India, seeking opportunities in its fast-growing economy. For instance, CPP Investments, a Canadian national savings fund, has invested substantial funds in India. India is also one of Canada's top ten trading partners. The ongoing dispute could disrupt trade talks