Canada-India Relations Strained Over Diplomatic Staff Reductions

Relations between Canada and India have taken a hit as Canada has recently let go of several Indian staffers working at its diplomatic missions in India. This move comes after sustained pressure from New Delhi to downsize Ottawa's diplomatic workforce in India.

A spokesperson for the Canadian High Commission confirmed the staff reductions, citing the need to align the number of Indian employees with the shrinking Canadian workforce in the country. The spokesperson expressed gratitude for the dedication and service of the local staff in India despite the reductions.

The strained relations between the two countries escalated following the murder of prominent Khalistani Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Canada, on June 18 last year. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of India's involvement in Nijjar's assassination further fueled tensions, leading India to expel 41 ambassadorial staff members of Canada.

The recent staff reductions at Canadian diplomatic missions in India mark a new low in the already strained relations between the two countries. The fallout from the Nijjar case continues to impact bilateral ties, highlighting the challenges in Canada-India relations that need to be addressed through diplomatic dialogue and cooperation.