Canada Requests India to Waive Diplomatic Immunity

Relations between India and Canada have become tense after Canada asked India to remove diplomatic immunity for six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma. Canada wants these diplomats to be questioned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a terrorist who was killed on June 18, 2023. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is angry at this request and has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of damaging India's image for political reasons.

India’s Response to Canada’s Request

In response, India has recalled its High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and the five other diplomats from Canada. The Modi government has made it clear that it will not agree to Canada’s demands. India also criticized Trudeau for using this issue for political gains, specifically targeting the Sikh vote bank. Diplomatic tensions are expected to rise further as India insists that there should be fairness in how the two countries treat each other's diplomats. The communication from Canada to India was reportedly written in harsh language, worse than what was used during the Cold War.

Protests and Rising Tensions

Before sending the official request, pro-Khalistani activists in Vancouver burned an effigy of Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma on October 12, adding to the tensions. Currently, Canada’s High Commission in Delhi is being run by a Charge d'Affaires, as no new High Commissioner has been appointed after the previous one’s term ended. The RCMP has been investigating Nijjar’s murder for over a year but hasn’t found any evidence to link Indian agents to the crime.

 Diplomatic Clash at ASEAN Summit

The issue took center stage at the ASEAN summit in Laos on October 11 when Trudeau brought it up unexpectedly with Prime Minister Modi. Modi dismissed the conversation, saying it wasn’t the right time or place. Trudeau, however, insisted that the matter needed to be resolved, mentioning that both countries’ National Security Advisors were meeting the following day. During that meeting, on October 12 in Singapore, Indian NSA Ajit Doval told Canada’s NSA to either provide legal proof of India’s involvement or stop using the issue for political reasons.

India Demands Proof, Prepares to Respond

India has been clear that any future actions by Canada must be backed by solid evidence, not just political statements. A top Indian security official said that India will respond strongly to any unjust actions from Canada.

Also read: India will call back High Commissioner from Canada, Central government's action

The Canadian request seems to be an attempt by the RCMP to question Indian diplomats in hopes of finding evidence, but Indian officials remain firm that there is no proof of India’s involvement. Trudeau is facing pressure from his Sikh vote bank, which may be why he is pushing this issue, even without solid evidence.