BREAKING: After Pulling Top Diplomat From Ottawa, India Expels 6 Canadian Diplomats

India has expelled 6 Canadian diplomats. The move comes after India's decision to recall its high commissioner and other diplomats from Canada. 

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs states that the 6 diplomats are - 

1. Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner  

2. Mr. Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner  

3. Ms. Marie Catherine Joly, First Secretary  

4. Mr. lan Ross David Trites, First Secretary  

5. Mr. Adam James Chuipka, First Secretary  

6. Ms. Paula Orjuela, First Secretary  

Here is what you need to know  

The statements adds that “they have been asked to leave India by or before 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024.” Stewart Ross Wheeler is Canada's top diplomat in India. He was summoned by India a few hours ago.   

Meanwhile, the RCMP is conducting a press conference on “RCMP's investigative efforts related to violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with alleged connections to the Indian government”. In the press conference, Commissioner Michael Duheme and Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin were asked if India withdrew its high commisioner from Canada or if India was asked by Canada to do so. The RCMP representatives refused to give a clear answer. 

On 13th October, Canada communicated to India that the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and few other diplomats were “persons of interest” in a Canadian investigation. India's MEA responded by stating that Canada's allegations were “preposterous” and part of a “political agenda” pursued by Trudeau's government.