Canadian diplomats have left India after the US indicted Delhi for its alleged role in the deaths of two separatists. The Canadian High Commissioner has expressed dissatisfaction with India's handling of the situation and emphasized the need for accountability in order to improve relations between the two countries. As the onus now falls on India to take action and work towards a resolution, the question remains whether the two nations can move forward together.
India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions: Background and Ongoing Issues
Background:
India and Canada have long enjoyed a close diplomatic relationship, with significant trade and cultural ties. However, recent events have strained their relationship.
In 2018, two prominent Sikh separatists, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were assassinated in Canada. US authorities indicted India's Delhi Police and a member of its counterintelligence agency for allegedly aiding and abetting the killings.
Recent Developments:
Following the US indictment, Canada demanded answers from Indian authorities and suspended high-level diplomatic contacts. In protest, Canadian diplomats left India.
The Indian government denied any involvement in the assassinations and expressed its "disappointment and regret" over Canada's response. The Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Ajay Bisaria, criticized Canada's "premature and unsubstantiated" actions.
In response, the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Nadir Patel, said that Canada remains "deeply concerned" about India's handling of the situation and emphasized the need for accountability.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What was the cause of the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada?
Answer: The tensions arose from the US indictment of Indian officials for their alleged role in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in Canada.
2. How did Canada respond to the US indictment?
Answer: Canada suspended high-level diplomatic contacts and demanded answers from Indian authorities, who denied any involvement.
3. What was India's response to Canada's actions?
Answer: India expressed disappointment and regret over Canada's suspension of diplomatic contacts and accused it of acting prematurely without substantial evidence.
4. What is the current status of the diplomatic relations between India and Canada?
Answer: High-level diplomatic contacts remain suspended, and Canadian diplomats have left India. The future of the relationship is uncertain.
5. What are the potential consequences of these tensions?
Answer: The tensions could impact trade, cultural exchanges, and overall cooperation between the two countries. They could also raise questions about India's human rights record and the safety of Sikh separatists in Canada.
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