India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler. This action follows Canada’s allegations linking Indian diplomats to the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistan supporter.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized the Canadian government for what it termed baseless accusations, asserting that the recent diplomatic communications from Canada were politically motivated. “We no longer trust the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our diplomats,” the MEA declared, highlighting the risk posed by the Trudeau administration’s stance on separatism.
This diplomatic spat could have significant implications for trade relations between India and Canada. In Guwahati, local businesses, particularly those in the import-export sector, are bracing for potential disruptions in trade dynamics. Market analysts warn that any deterioration in bilateral ties could affect supply chains and lead to increased costs for businesses reliant on Canadian goods and services, emphasizing the need for vigilance in navigating this evolving landscape.
