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The Deterioration of India-Canada Relations

5 minutes read

The Deterioration of India-Canada Relations

5 minutes read

Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have sharply declined, primarily due to accusations surrounding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader. This evolving situation highlights the complexities of their bilateral relationship and revives historical grievances between the two nations.

Background of Tensions:

The roots of the current diplomatic crisis can be traced back to September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused Indian agents of being involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Nijjar, a vocal advocate for the Khalistan movement—which seeks an independent Sikh homeland—was shot and killed outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. He had been identified as a terrorist by the Indian government in July 2020, a designation his supporters vehemently contested, arguing it was unfounded.

Trudeau asserted that Canada’s allegations were based on credible intelligence and that the killing constituted a significant violation of Canadian sovereignty. The severity of the accusation marked a critical juncture in the already strained relations between the two countries.

Escalation of Diplomatic Actions:

In the wake of these allegations, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a fierce statement condemning Canada’s claims as politically motivated and influenced by Sikh separatist campaigners. On October 14, 2024, India announced that it had expelled six Canadian diplomats, including acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, requiring their departure by October 19, 2024. This action is framed as a response to the deteriorating security situation for Indian diplomats in Canada.

During a subsequent meeting, Wheeler informed the media that Canada had presented the evidence requested by India and urged a thorough investigation into the allegations. He emphasized that both nations should work collaboratively to uncover the truth surrounding Nijjar’s murder.

In a reciprocal move, India defended its High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, denouncing Canada’s allegations as “ludicrous” and deserving of contempt. The Indian foreign ministry announced that it was withdrawing its top envoy and other diplomats due to a lack of faith in the Canadian government’s commitment to ensuring their security. These diplomatic maneuvers represent a significant low point in relations that had previously featured cooperation on various issues, including trade and security.

Law Enforcement Involvement

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has played a pivotal role in this crisis. Canadian police revealed they had taken the unusual step of publicly disclosing information regarding ongoing investigations “due to significant threat to public safety.” RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme noted there had been “over a dozen credible and imminent threats to life” specifically targeting members of the pro-Khalistan movement. The RCMP felt compelled to confront the Indian government in light of these serious threats.

Nijjar’s killing has been labelled a “targeted attack” by Canadian authorities, emphasizing its significance within the broader context of alleged Indian government involvement in violent actions against Sikh dissidents abroad. Canadian police have charged multiple Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar’s murder and have linked various violent incidents to Indian operatives in Canada.

In September 2024, Trudeau highlighted that allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing were based on Canadian intelligence, marking a significant escalation in accusations against India.

Ongoing Investigations and Allegations of Transnational Repression

The escalating rift between India and Canada has raised alarms about the involvement of Indian agents in orchestrating violence against Sikh activists in Canada. Canadian officials have identified at least six Indian diplomats in Canada who allegedly engaged in intelligence-gathering operations against Sikh separatists. According to the RCMP, investigations revealed that Indian diplomats and consular officials leveraged their positions to engage in clandestine activities aimed at monitoring and targeting Sikh activists.

The RCMP’s investigations into Nijjar’s murder revealed that Indian diplomats were linked to a broader pattern of violent activity, including home invasions, drive-by shootings, and at least one additional killing. For example, the killing of Sukhdool Singh in Winnipeg on September 20, 2023—shortly after he was featured on a wanted list by India’s National Investigation Agency—has been cited as part of this troubling trend.

Canadian authorities stated that their investigations uncovered a network through which Indian diplomats collected intelligence on alleged Sikh separatists. This intelligence was reportedly used by India’s RAW to identify targets for attacks orchestrated by criminal proxies, leading to heightened concerns about transnational repression tactics employed by the Indian government against dissenters abroad.

International Ramifications and Diplomatic Engagement:

The implications of this crisis extend beyond the bilateral relations between India and Canada, as it reverberates through the international community. Canada, which is home to the largest Sikh diaspora outside of India, has expressed alarm over the potential for violence against its citizens and the implications for public safety.

In Singapore, Canadian officials presented evidence regarding India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s murder to India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. However, Doval denied any link to the allegations and requested that the discussions remain confidential, which underscores the level of sensitivity surrounding the situation.

The Biden administration has also been drawn into this complex diplomatic fray. U.S. intelligence has previously confronted Indian officials with information suggesting that an officer in RAW was involved in a separate assassination plot against a Sikh separatist in New York. These allegations of extraterritorial violence complicate the relationship between the U.S. and India, particularly as the Biden administration has been working to strengthen ties with New Delhi.

Future Outlook and Challenges

The outlook for India-Canada relations appears precarious. While some attempts at diplomatic engagement have been made, such as Canada resuming visa processing for Indian nationals, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The recent expulsion of diplomats and the public allegations of violent activities against Sikh dissidents have created a hostile environment, complicating the potential for reconciliation.

As investigations into Nijjar’s murder and related violence continue, the possibility of further evidence surfacing could exacerbate tensions between the two nations. On the other hand, India’s steadfast denial of any involvement and its insistence that allegations are politically motivated may hinder any prospects for dialogue.

Both countries must navigate this complex web of allegations and responses while addressing their internal security concerns and the rights of their citizens. As the situation unfolds, the international community will closely monitor developments, recognizing the potential for broader implications in global diplomacy and security. The coming days will likely be critical in determining the trajectory of India-Canada relations and their long-term impacts on international affairs.

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