OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Canada was "actively pursuing credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia in June, a concern India dismissed as "absurd".

The spat deals a fresh blow to diplomatic ties that have been fraying for years, with New Delhi unhappy over Sikh separatist activity in Canada. It now threatens trade ties too, with talks on a proposed trade deal frozen last week.

Following to the Canadian PM’s allegation blaming India of cold-blooded murder, Indian government said it had expelled Canadian diplomat with five days' notice to leave country, just hours after Ottawa expelled South Asian nation's top intelligence agent and accused him of role in murder of Sikh separatist leader.

Development was latest in an escalating row between two nations, with Canada saying it was "Actively pursuing credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to murder in British Columbia in June. Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi had been summoned and told of expulsion decision, India's Foreign Ministry said in statement.

"Decision reflects government of India's growing concern at interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities," Ministry added.

"Concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within next five days." Earlier on Tuesday, India dismissed Canadian accusation as "Absurd and motivated" and urged it instead to take legal action against anti-Indian elements operating from its soil. Earlier, Canada accused India's government of involvement in killing of Canadian Sikh leader near Vancouver last June and expelled New Delhi's intelligence chief in Ottawa in retaliation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 20 2023

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