India-Canada Diplomatic Conflict: A Growing Rift Over Khalistan
The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has hit a rocky patch, with
tensions escalating over allegations, extremism, and foreign policy challenges. At the
center of this conflict lies the growing influence of Khalistani separatism in
Canada—a matter of grave concern for India. The Indian government accuses
Canada of harboring and supporting extremist elements who push for the creation of
Khalistan, an independent Sikh state carved out of Indian territory, while Canadian
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleges foreign interference by India in Canadian
affairs. This conflict is not just about differing political ideologies but about how
extremism, freedom of speech, and national security intersect.
The Roots of the Conflict
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have historically been amicable, with
strong people-to-people ties due to a large Indian diaspora in Canada. However,
relations began to strain when certain factions of the Sikh diaspora in Canada
started pushing for the Khalistan movement—a separatist demand for a Sikh
homeland in Punjab, India. The Khalistan movement was at its peak in the 1980s,
leading to a violent insurgency in India. Although the Indian government quelled the
movement, fringe groups have kept it alive abroad, particularly in Canada, where a
significant Sikh diaspora exists. India’s concerns have intensified as it perceives
Canada as a safe haven for extremists who promote this divisive agenda. From
glorifying individuals involved in terrorist acts to holding anti-India rallies, some
extremist factions in Canada are openly advocating for Khalistan, further widening
the diplomatic rift.
Canada’s Role in Harbouring Khalistani Extremism
For years, India has voiced its concerns over Canada's tolerance of Khalistani
activities on its soil. Extremist factions in Canada have held rallies, used
inflammatory rhetoric, and even raised funds to support their cause. For India, these
activities amount to fostering terrorism, as the demand for Khalistan is intricately
linked to violent acts committed against the Indian state. Canada’s stance on this
issue, however, has been ambiguous, often citing freedom of speech and political
expression as a defence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reluctance to act decisively
against these extremist factions has further strained relations. In 2018, India
expressed disappointment when Trudeau attended a Sikh event in Canada where
pro-Khalistan sentiments were prominent. Similarly, Canadian ministers, including
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, have been seen attending pro-Khalistan rallies, sending
mixed messages to the Indian government. The rise of pro-Khalistan activities in
Canada has increasingly portrayed the country as a breeding ground for extremism,
a perception that India cannot ignore.
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar Case and Trudeau’s Allegations
The diplomatic tension reached a tipping point in 2023 with the murder of Hardeep
Singh Nijjar, a controversial pro-Khalistan figure, in Surrey, Canada. Nijjar had been
accused by India of being involved in terrorism and was on their radar for years. He
was also a vocal advocate for the Khalistan referendum, a symbolic vote for an
independent Sikh homeland, which India strongly opposes. In a shocking turn of
events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged that there was
credible evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. These claims were
based on intelligence shared with Canada by its allies, according to Trudeau.
However, no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate these allegations,
leaving the Indian government outraged. India categorically denied any involvement,
calling Trudeau’s accusations “absurd” and “politically motivated.” For India,
Trudeau’s accusations appeared to be a diversionary tactic. Many view this as an
attempt by the Canadian Prime Minister to pander to the influential Sikh community
in Canada, which forms a crucial vote bank for him and the Liberal Party. The timing
of Trudeau’s remarks, coupled with the upcoming Canadian elections, has led to
speculation that these allegations are a strategic move to secure electoral support
from pro-Khalistan factions within Canada.
Trudeau’s Political Calculations
At the heart of Trudeau’s reluctance to crack down on Khalistani extremism is a
political calculation. The Sikh community, which forms about 2% of Canada’s
population, wields considerable political power, particularly in provinces like British
Columbia and Ontario. This community is also highly organized and politically active,
making it an important constituency for Trudeau’s Liberal Party. The presence of pro-
Khalistan factions within the larger Sikh diaspora means that any overt action against
them could alienate a significant portion of Trudeau’s voter base. Jagmeet Singh,
leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), is a prominent Sikh leader and has been
known to harbor sympathies for the Khalistan movement. With Trudeau’s minority
government often relying on Singh’s support to pass legislation, cracking down on
Khalistani extremism could lead to political fallout. Trudeau’s stance is further
complicated by Canada’s foreign policy, which has recently seen tensions with India.
In 2018, Canada released a public safety report identifying Khalistani extremism as a
threat. However, under pressure from pro-Khalistan groups, all references to Sikh
extremism were removed from subsequent versions of the report. This reversal
raises questions about the extent to which political pandering is influencing Canadian
policy on such a critical national security issue.
Impact on India-Canada Relations
The fallout from Trudeau’s allegations has already begun to affect India-Canada
relations. Diplomatic expulsions on both sides, halted trade negotiations, and the
suspension of visa services are just a few examples of the immediate consequences
of this escalating conflict. The India-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which was
progressing well and had the potential to boost bilateral trade significantly, has now
been put on hold. The strained relations have also impacted the thousands of
students and workers who travel between the two countries, with visa suspensions
creating uncertainty and anxiety. India has also taken a hard line, signalling that it will
not tolerate foreign interference in its internal affairs, especially when it comes to
matters of national security. While Canada insists that it is only acting in the interest
of its own sovereignty, India views Trudeau’s government as appeasing extremists
and jeopardizing diplomatic ties in the process.