-Analysis-

PARIS — Expulsions of diplomats between rival countries is nothing new. In the weeks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, dozens were deported between the two countries. But between friendly countries, it is much rarer, and internationally frowned upon. India’s decision Tuesday to demand the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats is therefore exceptional, and says a lot about today’s international political climate.

With this mass expulsion, New Delhi is expressing anger at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has directly implicated the Indian government in the assassination of a Sikh opposition figure on Canadian soil. The dissident, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, and Ottawa has signaled that it is in possession of serious evidence, including wiretaps, implicating Indian agents in the assassination.

Ever since Trudeau launched his accusations, the tone has continued to escalate. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denies the allegations, and counter-attacked by criticizing Canada’s asylum policy for those he calls “terrorists of Khalistan,” the name of the hypothetical Sikh state that many followers of the religion dream of. Modi wants Canada to pay the price for the attack on his honor.