Canada has experienced a significant drop in study permits issued to Indian students, with an 86% decrease in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter, as diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated. The diplomatic dispute arose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked Indian government agents to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The strained relations have led to Canada pulling out diplomats from India and prompted Indian students to explore study options in other countries. The decline poses a challenge to Canadian universities heavily reliant on international students.