India Expells head of Canadian Intelligence Olivier Sylvester in a Reciprocal Move

On Tuesday, India took a reciprocal step by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat and head of Canadian Intelligence Olivier Sylvester, in response to Canada’s earlier expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat. Olivier Sylvester’s expulsion followed Canada’s accusations against India regarding its alleged involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made these allegations, which India vehemently rejected as baseless and motivated.

Oliver Sylvester was posted with the Canadian embassy as the station head of the Canadian Intelligence Service and has been given 5 days to leave India.

Earlier, Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs in South Block, where he was informed about India’s decision to expel a senior Canadian diplomat based in India. The diplomat in question has been given a five-day notice to leave India. India’s action reflects its growing concerns about Canada’s diplomats interfering in its internal matters and engaging in anti-India activities.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly had announced the expulsion of an Indian diplomat from Canada, citing allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India considered this a breach of its sovereignty and unacceptable.

India also rejected Trudeau’s allegations made in the Canadian Parliament, emphasizing that they were unfounded and driven by ulterior motives. India emphasized its commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Furthermore, India pointed out its concerns about Canada harboring Khalistani terrorists and extremists, urging the Canadian government to take legal action against such anti-India elements operating from its soil.

The release from the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the sympathy expressed by Canadian political figures for these elements and the continued presence of illegal activities in Canada, including crimes like murder, human trafficking, and organized crime. India firmly rejected any attempts to connect its government to these developments and called on Canada to take prompt and effective action against anti-India activities within its borders.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused the Indian government of being involved in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force, in Canada. Nijjar, who was wanted in India, was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.

Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies had reasons to believe that agents of the Indian government were responsible for Nijjar’s killing, emphasizing the importance of protecting Canada’s sovereignty and democratic principles. He also mentioned coordination with allies on the matter.

Also Read: India Dismisses “Baseless” and “Motivated” Allegations Regarding the Killing of Top Terrorist Hardeep Nijjar
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