Canadian FM Hints At Possible Sanctions Against India

The diplomatic row between India and Canada has condensed further after Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said that "everything is on the table," including the possibility of sanctions against India.

Tensions rose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government on Monday of being complicit in the execution of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year, which Canada alleges was carried out by Indian operatives.

In reaction to the allegations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats on Monday and summoned its High Commissioner, along with five other diplomats from Ottawa. 

Meanwhile, Canada maintained that the diplomats were expelled as part of an ongoing inquiry into the matter. India has categorically dismissed the claims, calling them "absurd" and politically motivated.

Following a diplomatic breakdown over the execution of Nijjar, Joly hinted at the prospect of slapping sanctions on India. Joly said, "Everything is on the table," implying that additional diplomatic steps could be explored.

"We asked India to waive diplomatic immunity and cooperate in the investigation, but they refused," Joly explained. She reaffirmed that diplomatic expulsions are among the most severe actions possible under the Vienna Convention, but Canada remains open to additional action._Times of India