The diplomatic crisis between India and Canada deepened as Ottawa accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada hinted at possible sanctions against India and claimed to have evidence linking Indian government agents to the killing. The Canadian government also alleged ties between the Bishnoi gang and Indian government agents, accusing them of carrying out covert operations and violent activities in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blamed India for “targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the government of India” with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer. In response to the escalating tensions, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly did not rule out imposing sanctions on India, stating that “everything is on the table.”
India vehemently rejected Canada’s accusations, denying any involvement in the Sikh leader’s killing or any other criminal activities in the country. Official sources in India stated that Canada’s claim of sharing evidence in the Nijjar case was false.
As India-Canada ties worsen, memes went viral on social media. Here are some of the viral ones:
Government on Canada’s allegations
Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations that India was engaging in covert operations targeting Canadian nationals were also dismissed by Indian authorities. At a press conference, Trudeau accused India of threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil, vowing that Canada would not tolerate such actions.
In retaliation for Canada’s accusations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its high commissioner from Canada. This move came after India dismissed Ottawa’s allegations linking the Indian envoy to the investigation into Nijjar’s killing.