Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Diplomatic Crisis: India and Canada Expel Top Diplomats
India and Canada have taken the unprecedented step of expelling each other's top diplomats amidst rising tensions over the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil. This marks a significant deterioration in what was historically a cooperative relationship. While past disputes have strained ties, they have never escalated to the level of open confrontation seen today.
Historical Strains on Relations
Tensions between the two countries are not new. In 1974, India shocked the world by conducting a nuclear test using plutonium allegedly derived from a Canadian reactor, which had been gifted to India for peaceful purposes. This led to a diplomatic fallout, with Canada suspending its support for India’s nuclear program. However, even during this period of strained relations, the countries stopped short of expelling diplomats as they have now done.
The Nijjar Assassination and Diplomatic Fallout
The current diplomatic row centers on the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada based Sikh leader designated as a terrorist by India. The expulsions came in response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims that Canadian police were investigating whether Indian agents were involved in Nijjar's murder. Trudeau further alleged Indian involvement in violent acts against pro Khalistan supporters advocating for a separate Sikh homeland in India, a charge India has vehemently denied as baseless.
The Khalistan Issue and its Impact on Relations
Canada is home to approximately 770,000 Sikhs, the largest Sikh diaspora outside of India’s Punjab state. Sikh separatism, which has its roots in a violent insurgency in India during the 1980s and 1990s, continues to affect bilateral relations. Delhi has frequently criticized Canada for allegedly not taking stronger action against pro Khalistan elements within its borders, an issue that has resurfaced in recent years. Canada has been aware of these groups and has monitored their activities, but the Indian government feels that insufficient action has been taken.
Diplomatic Confrontation Reaches a New Low
Michael Kugelman, an analyst at the Wilson Center, has remarked that this diplomatic crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with both countries making serious allegations, withdrawing ambassadors, and issuing strong public statements. Experts like Ryan Touhey, author of Conflicting Visions Canada and India in the Cold War World, also see this as a significant decline in relations under Trudeau’s government. He notes that previous Canadian administrations, particularly under Stephen Harper, had made efforts to repair relations and focus on shared interests such as trade and education.
Rising Political Tensions and Trudeau’s Challenges
The timing of these allegations against India comes as Prime Minister Trudeau faces challenges at home. With Canadian elections looming in 2025, Trudeau’s popularity has waned, with only 28% of voters supporting his re election. India’s foreign ministry has suggested that Trudeau’s government is playing "vote bank politics," using the Sikh community's significant influence in Canadian politics to secure votes. In 2016, Trudeau boasted about having more Sikhs in his cabinet than the Indian government, highlighting the community's political clout. Currently, 15 Sikh members of Parliament hold seats in Canada's House of Commons, representing a crucial voter base.
Differing Perspectives on Free Speech and Activism
One of the fundamental issues at play is the contrasting perspectives on Sikh separatism. While India views pro Khalistan activists as a dangerous threat, Canada sees their activities as protected free speech and political dissent. This disconnect has contributed to the deterioration of relations, as neither side is willing to compromise on its stance.
People to People Ties Remain Strong
Despite the diplomatic fallout, the long standing relationship between India and Canada has deep roots, especially through the large Indian origin community in Canada. With over 1.3 million residents of Indian origin, the two countries also have significant trade and educational ties. India has been Canada’s top source of international students since 2018, and bilateral trade is substantial, with India ranking as Canada’s 10th largest trading partner in 2022.
Future of India Canada Relations
Experts believe that while people to people connections between the two countries will remain strong, the diplomatic rift may take longer to repair, especially with the current political climate in Canada. As the Trudeau government enters its final year before the 2025 elections, there may be limited opportunities to mend relations at the government level. However, the significance of the diaspora and economic ties could serve as a foundation for future reconciliation.
For now, the diplomatic situation remains tense, with experts noting that India’s accusations against Canada have taken on a tone more severe than those it has historically directed at Pakistan. This escalation of rhetoric highlights just how deeply strained the relationship has become.
