**Canada Expels Indian Diplomats Amid Allegations of Criminal Activities**

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused the Indian government of engaging in homicide and extortion to suppress critics of India residing in Canada. Consequently, Canada expelled India's top diplomat and five other officials, sparking a reciprocal move by India which expelled six Canadian diplomats.

This intensifying conflict follows the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist, which Trudeau’s government claims was orchestrated by Indian authorities. The dispute, brewing since last year, has now reached a critical point with mutual diplomatic expulsions.

Canada hosts the largest Sikh community outside of India, a significant and influential population primarily originating from the Punjab region in northwestern India. India, on its part, has accused some Sikhs in Canada of being involved in a secessionist movement aiming to establish an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan.

Canadian investigations have delved into what they allege is a concerted effort by the Indian government to target Sikh activists on Canadian soil. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced that expulsion orders had been issued on Monday for six Indian diplomats, including Sanjay Kumar Verma, India's high commissioner in Canada. The expulsion came after India refused to lift diplomatic immunity to allow these diplomats to be part of Canada’s criminal inquiries.

The diplomatic fallout now marks a significant deterioration in Canada-India relations, with each country ousting the other’s representatives in a tit-for-tat response that highlights the serious nature of the allegations.