India on Monday withdrew its High Commissioner in Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and other senior diplomats and officials amid an escalation in the diplomatic row between the two countries.
The Centre's move came hours after Canada's charge against the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats as 'persons of interest' in the investigation into Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder.
It was underlined that in an atmosphere of extremism and violence, the Trudeau Government's actions endangered their safety. "We have no faith in the current Canadian Government's commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials", a government statement said.
It was also conveyed that India reserves the right to take further steps in response to the Trudeau Government’s support for extremism, violence and separatism against India.
Earlier, the Canadian Charge d’Affaires was summoned by Secretary (East) on Monday evening. He was informed that the baseless targeting of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats and officials in Canada was completely unacceptable.
