October 15, 2024: In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, India and Canada have engaged in a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats, deepening the rift between the two nations. On Monday, the Indian government ordered several Canadian diplomats to leave the country by October 19, following Canada's announcement of an investigation into its Indian ambassador and other officials linked to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler and Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, have been formally asked to depart. The expulsion follows India's strong condemnation of what it termed "baseless targeting" of its diplomats by the Canadian government.

"The Government of India has decided to expel the following 6 Canadian Diplomats: Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner; Mr. Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner; Ms. Marie Catherine Joly, First Secretary; Mr. Ian Ross David Trites, First Secretary; Mr. Adam James Chuipka, First Secretary; Ms. Paula Orjuela, First Secretary," the Ministry's statement detailed.

Earlier in the day, India summoned Wheeler, emphasizing that allegations against its diplomats were completely unacceptable and indicating a significant loss of confidence in Canada's commitment to ensure their safety.

In response, Canada announced that it would expel six Indian diplomats as part of its investigation into what it described as an "Indian government campaign of violence." The Canadian authorities have stated that their police collected evidence suggesting involvement of these diplomats in actions against the Sikh community in Canada.

The fallout from Nijjar's assassination has already strained relations between the two countries, which have seen a significant deterioration in diplomatic dialogue and cooperation.