NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India said on Tuesday it had expelled a Canadian diplomat with a five-day deadline for him to leave the country, just hours after Ottawa expelled the South Asian nation’s top intelligence agent and accused him of involvement in the killing of a Sikh. Separatist leader.
The development is the latest in an escalating dispute between the two countries, with Canada saying on Monday that it is “actively pursuing credible accusations” linking Indian government agents to the murder that occurred in British Columbia in June.
The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Canadian High Commissioner or the Canadian Ambassador in New Delhi has been summoned and informed of the expulsion decision.
The ministry added, “The decision reflects the Indian government’s growing concern about the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal affairs and their involvement in anti-India activities.”
“The diplomat concerned has been asked to leave India within the next five days.”
Earlier on Tuesday, India dismissed the Canadian accusations as “ridiculous and motivated” and instead urged it to take legal action against anti-India elements operating from its soil.
(Reporting by YP Rajesh; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
