India’s ‘murder’ spat with Canada has come at the worst time

The alleged involvement of agents of a foreign government in the murder of a citizen is a crime that violates national sovereignty and the established norms of international relations. Put simply, no government can ignore or overlook such actions. This is the reasoning behind Canada’s momentous decision to expel a group of Indian diplomats and go public with an explosive set of allegations against India itself.

Canadian authorities have accused Indian agents of involvement in ‘homicides, extortion and violent acts’ on Canadian soil. Police said the criminal activity had particularly targeted supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate homeland for Sikhs in India. A Canadian official said that India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma – effectively India’s top diplomat in the country – had been told to leave, along with a number of other Indian diplomats. India reacted with predictable fury and rejected the allegations, describing them as ‘preposterous’ and ‘ludicrous’.