The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has made shocking allegations against Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada, claiming they were involved in clandestine activities linked to serious criminal activity, including homicides and extortions. As a result, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, prompting India to retaliate by expelling six Canadian diplomats stationed in New Delhi. This latest development follows a public dispute between the two nations last year, when Canada announced it was investigating credible allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a prominent Sikh activist. While providing limited details, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed that Indian diplomats in Canada used their official positions to collect information for the government of India and coerced individuals and businesses into doing the same, specifically targeting members of the South Asian community.
RCMP Alleges Clandestine Activities by Indian Diplomats, Leading to Expulsions
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Canada and India, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has accused Indian diplomats and consular officials of engaging in clandestine activities linked to serious criminal activity. The allegations have resulted in the expulsion of six Indian diplomats from Canada, with India retaliating by expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.
Background
India and Canada have a long-standing history of cooperation and diplomatic relations. However, tensions have increased in recent years over a series of issues, including Canada's perceived support for Sikh separatists and India's alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir.
Current Allegations
According to the RCMP, Indian diplomats in Canada have been involved in:
The RCMP Commissioner, Mike Duheme, provided limited details about the specific activities being investigated, but suggested that the diplomats may have been involved in homicides and extortions.
Diplomatic Expulsions
On February 17, 2023, Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced that six Indian diplomats had been expelled from the country. India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. The Canadian government stated that it had provided evidence of the diplomats' involvement in "malicious activities," while India has denied the allegations and condemned the expulsions.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why did the RCMP make these allegations?
The RCMP alleges that the Indian diplomats were involved in activities that violate Canada's national security and laws.
2. What specific crimes are the diplomats accused of?
The RCMP has not provided specific details but has suggested that the diplomats may have been involved in homicides and extortions.
3. How did the diplomats collect intelligence?
The RCMP alleges that the diplomats used their official positions to gather information and coerce individuals and businesses.
4. Why is this happening now?
Tensions between Canada and India have been escalating in recent years over various issues, including Canada's support for Sikh separatists and India's alleged human rights abuses.
5. What will happen next?
It is unclear what the next steps in this diplomatic dispute will be. The expulsions have further strained relations between Canada and India, and both countries have indicated that they will continue to investigate the allegations.
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