Historically close, and with roots in the same Empire, Canada and India have fallen out over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Canada blames on India
The expulsion this week of six Indian diplomats from Canada, and a similar move by India, marks a low point in relations between the two countries. Here’s how we got here.
What’s the history of our relationship with India?
Canada-Indian relations have their roots in the 19th century, when both countries were part of the British Empire. Even though India gained independence from Britain in 1947, both remain part of the Commonwealth of Nations and the G20 group of nations.
What was the latest flashpoint?
What was India’s reaction?
Where does the murder investigation stand?
Earlier that month, police arrested Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh and Karanpreet Singh in Edmonton and charged them with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Nijjar.
How is the U.S. involved?
The indictment mentions Nijjar’s murder, noting: “The day after the Nijjar murder, Gupta told (an undercover officer) that Nijjar ‘was also the target’ and ‘we have so many targets.’ Gupta added that, in light of Nijjar’s murder, there was ‘now no need to wait’ on killing the Victim. On or about June 20, (an Indian government employee) sent Gupta a news article about the Victim and messaged Gupta, ‘it’s (a) priority now.’”
Is this the first time this sort of thing has happened?
Why do Canadian-Indian relations matter so much?
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