India expels 6 Canadian diplomats amid diplomatic row

New Delhi, Oct 14: The Government of India has decided to expel six senior Canadian diplomats in response to rising tensions between the two nations.

The following diplomats have been ordered to leave India by 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a Press Release.

Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner

Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner

Marie Catherine Joly, First Secretary

Ian Ross David Trites, First Secretary

Adam James Chuipka, First Secretary

Paula Orjuela, First Secretary

Earlier today, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Canadian Charge d’Affaires. During the meeting, Secretary (East) conveyed a strong message from the Indian government, expressing its firm objection to the “baseless targeting” of India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats based in Canada. The Indian government described the actions taken by Canadian authorities as “completely unacceptable.”

The Indian official emphasised that the environment in Canada, marked by extremism and violence, has jeopardized the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel. The Indian government expressed a lack of confidence in the Trudeau Government’s ability to ensure their security, leading to the decision to recall India’s High Commissioner and other affected diplomats.

India also warned that it reserves the right to take further actions in response to what it views as the Canadian government’s support for extremism, violence, and separatist activities against India. This diplomatic fallout signals a deepening rift in relations between the two countries.