Canada recalls 41 diplomats from India

A dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader has led to the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from India. The rift began when Canada suggested that India may have been involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June. India denied the allegations, but tensions increased, leading to India requesting the withdrawal of the Canadian diplomatic staff and threatening to remove their immunity if they did not comply. On Thursday, Canada's foreign minister confirmed that most Canadian diplomats had left India, with only 21 remaining. The reduced staff will impact Canada's services in the country, particularly in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chandigarh, where in-person operations will be temporarily halted. Despite the strained relations, Canada continues to welcome Indian nationals who wish to visit or move to the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada is not seeking to escalate the dispute and has urged India to cooperate with the investigation into Nijjar's murder.