India to withdraw High Commissioner from Canada as he’s named ‘person of interest’

OTTAWA — India announced it will withdraw its High Commissioner from Canada after receiving official word that he is a person of interest in a Canadian violent criminal investigation.

In a statement, New Delhi says it rejects what it calls “preposterous imputations” made in a diplomatic communication from Canada on Sunday.

The statement makes reference to “certain allegations” made by Canada’s prime minister in September 2023, when Justin Trudeau stood up in the House of Commons to say that India was suspected of involvement in the shooting death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.

In a follow-up statement, India says it summoned Canada’s diplomat in India and called the “baseless targeting” of India’s High Commissioner unacceptable.

India alleges the accusations put the High Commissioner’s safety at risk, particularly in an environment charged with extremism and violence.

New Delhi says it hasn’t ruled out further action against the Trudeau government.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2024.

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press