Canada Pulling Out Diplomats From India Over Alleged Threats On Social Media: Report

Canada is withdrawing some diplomats from India amidst escalating tensions following Ottawa's claims that Indian government agents may have been involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Late on Wednesday (20 September) evening, Jean-Pierre Godbout, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, confirmed that the country will be bringing back some of its staff from India, the National Post reported.

“In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats. With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India,” Godbout wrote in an email, according to National Post.

“As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India. All of our locations are staffed by diplomats and locally-engaged staff to ensure business and operational continuity," the official added.

Earlier this week, Trudeau made a statement in the Canadian Parliament regarding security services having "credible allegations" of Indian government agents being involved in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

The Canadian government also expelled an Indian diplomat after Trudeau's claim.

India rejected the allegations levelled by Trudeau, calling them "absurd" and "motivated", and also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.