**Canada Expels Indian Diplomats Amidst Accusations of Violent Acts and Interference**

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Canada has expelled India's high commissioner and five other diplomats following revelations by Canada's national police of evidence linking Indian government members to multiple homicides and violent acts on Canadian soil. India retaliated by announcing the withdrawal of its top diplomat in Canada and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed that the information, normally kept under wraps during active investigations, showed a "significant threat to public safety," particularly targeting members of the Khalistan political movement. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme underscored the urgency of these findings at a Monday news conference, emphasizing that Indian diplomats and consular officials in Canada had abused their positions to engage in covert activities, including intelligence collection for the Indian government.

Despite these serious allegations, the RCMP has kept many specifics about the criminal activities and threats under wraps. Meanwhile, India’s foreign ministry responded robustly, demanding the departure of Canada's Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, and four other diplomats by October 19. The ministry's statement implied further actions could follow, accusing the Trudeau government of supporting extremism and separatist movements against India.

The bilateral friction traces back to last year when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled shocking evidence in Parliament suggesting that Indian agents might have been responsible for the June 2023 assassination of Sikh Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Although attempts at reconciliation were made, unresolved tensions persisted and have now significantly deepened over the issue of foreign interference.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly defended Canada's decision to expel the diplomats, citing "ample, clear and concrete evidence," particularly linking six individuals to the Nijjar case. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long expressed unease over Khalistani activism in Canada.

Commissioner Duheme noted that there have been numerous charges for homicides and other crimes such as extortion in recent years. He acknowledged that the government discussed lifting diplomatic immunity to conduct interviews with implicated officials but was unsuccessful in doing so. Additionally, Duheme revealed that Canadian authorities have also found evidence pointing to Indian interference in Canada’s democratic processes.