Tensions Over the Murder of Sikh Leader in Vancouver; India Issues Ultimatum to '41 Canadian Diplomats'

India has requested Canada to expel 41 out of its 62 diplomats in India. According to Associated Press, an informed source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated this on Tuesday. Tensions in relations between the two countries escalated after Canada accused India of being involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, who was killed in the suburbs of Vancouver. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment immediately on the matter. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in Parliament last month that there is 'credible allegations' of India's involvement in the murder of Hardip Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh leader. Masked gunmen killed him in June. India has claimed that Nijjar, a Canadian citizen born in India, had links to terrorism, a claim that Nijjar had denied. Plotting to kill a Canadian citizen in Canada, where nearly 2 million people of Indian descent live, is unprecedented. India has accused Canada for years of giving free rein to Sikh separatists, including Nijjar. In response to Canada's accusations, New Delhi canceled visa issuance for Canadians, a move that Canada has not retaliated against. Previously, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat after a senior Indian diplomat was expelled from Canada. An American diplomat stated that 'Five Eyes' intelligence revealed a possible connection between India and the murder of the Sikh separatist. New Delhi claims that India is connecting to the 'New Middle East Corridor' through ports and railways. Canada has begun a public inquiry into the involvement of China, Russia, and other countries in its elections. India is seeking significant profits from the Middle East through the 'New Middle East Corridor' initiative.