By Reeturaj - Oct 15, 2024
India and Canada have expelled top diplomats amid escalating tensions following the assassination of a Canada-based Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Trudeau government accused Indian agents of involvement, denying any role, leading to a significant decline in bilateral relations. Canada's allegations were seen as politically driven, linked to the Khalistan issue, while experts point to a disconnect in perceiving activism and threats. Despite historical ties, strained diplomatic relations are expected until at least 2025 due to the ongoing crisis.
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The relationship between India and Canada has hit a breaking point, leading to the expulsion of their top diplomats. Tensions escalated after the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based Sikh leader. This event marked the first time diplomats have been expelled between the two nations, indicating a significant downturn in their historically friendly relations.
The crisis began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar's killing, which sparked outrage from Delhi. India denied any involvement, calling the allegations "preposterous." Canadian police also implicated Indian agents in "homicides, extortion, and violent acts" targeting pro-Khalistan supporters advocating for a separate Sikh homeland in India.
Ryan Touhey, author of "Conflicting Visions, Canada and India in the Cold War World," notes that this represents a significant decline in Canada-India relations under the Trudeau government. The Khalistan issue, rooted in a bloody insurgency in India during the 1980s and early '90s, had seemed to have disappeared since the beginning of the millennium but has suddenly resurfaced.
Canada's allegations come at a time when Trudeau faces anti-incumbency with elections barely a year away. India's foreign ministry attributes Canada's allegations to Trudeau's "political agenda" centered around vote bank politics. Sikhs hold considerable influence in Canadian politics, occupying 15 seats in the House of Commons.
Despite this, experts believe the crisis stems from Canada's failure to address Indian concerns over pro-Khalistani elements. "There's a fundamental disconnect: what India views as a dangerous threat is seen by Canada as mere activism and dissent protected by free speech," says Mr. Kugelman.
While relations may seem dire, the two countries have a long-standing relationship, with Canada hosting one of the largest Indian-origin communities. India is Canada's 10th largest trading partner and Canada's top source of international students. People-to-people links are expected to remain strong, but high-level diplomatic relations may remain strained until the 2025 elections. As Mr Kugelman puts it, "Delhi now levels the same allegations against Canada that it has regularly levelled against Pakistan. The language making these allegations against Canada has been stronger than it has been against Pakistan. And that's saying something."