India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) a few days back had expelled a top Canadian diplomat stationed in India in a tit-for-tat action. While at first the name of the top Canadian diplomat who was expelled by India kept under wraps, now it has been revealed that he is Olivier Sylvester. MEA had summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to India and handed him the notice informing about the expulsion of Olivier Sylvester. In the notice, MEA had told the Canadian High Commissioner that they are giving 5 days to Olivier Sylvester to leave India in a tit-for-tat action. Now, the question arises who is Olivier Sylvester and why was he in particular bear the rage of the Indian government? Below is everything we know so far-
Who is Olivier Sylvester?
As per reports, Olivier Sylvester was the Chief of the Canadian Intelligence operation in India. As per MEA, Olivier Sylvester was involved 'in interfering in India's internal matters and was also involved in anti-India activities.' MEA in its statement had said, "The High Commissioner of Canada to India was summoned today and informed about the decision of the Government of India to expel a senior Canadian diplomat based in India. The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days. The decision reflects the Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities."
It is pertinent to mention here that MEA.s decision to expell Canada's Intelligence Chief in India came after Canada expelled Pavan Kumar Rai, a Punjab cadre IPS who was reportedly stationed in Canada as Intelligence Head. Pavan Kumar Rai was purportedly the Canadian station chief of India's intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Notably, India’s statement did not refer to Rai’s expulsion. However, India strongly rejected the allegations, claiming they were 'abusrd' and 'motivated'. Pavan Kumar Rai is a 1997-batch Punjab cadre IPS officer. True Scoop News tried to dig more about Pavan Kumar Rai and found that he was SSP of Taran Tarn in 2009-10 when the issue of drugs was staring in the face of Punjab. He was later promoted as an additional director general of police (ADGP) by the Punjab Government on January 31, 2023 along with seven other IPS officers.
The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar:
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Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani terrorist, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara in Canada. His death sent shockwaves through the Sikh community in both countries. Nijjar was believed to be a close associate of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla. His murder raised concerns about the increasing influence of Khalistani gangs operating out of Canada.
Trudeau's allegations:
Justin Trudeau, in an unexpected move, accused India of being involved in Nijjar's murder. He made these allegations in Canada's Parliament, stating that he had solid evidence of India's complicity. Trudeau's assertions were seen as an attempt to use Nijjar's murder as a political tool, casting India in a negative light on the international stage.