India Instructs Canada to Recall 41 Diplomats by October 10 Amid Strained Relations” Tensions have escalated between New Delhi and Ottawa due to Canadian suspicions of Indian government involvement in the June murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India vehemently denies these allegations.

Read more:Sikhs Demand Expulsion of Indian High Commissioner Over Nijjar Murder

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on India to cooperate in the murder investigation but has not publicly shared evidence. In response, India suspended new Canadian visas and requested a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic presence. India also expressed its willingness to examine any specific and relevant information provided by Canada regarding the killing. According to reports, India has threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of diplomats who remain in Canada after October 10. Canada currently has 62 diplomats in India, and India has requested a reduction of 41 diplomats.

Both the Indian and Canadian foreign ministries have not yet commented on the matter. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has cited a “climate of violence” and an “atmosphere of intimidation” against Indian diplomats in Canada, partly due to the presence of Sikh separatist groups.