India and Canada each expelled the other’s diplomats in an escalating diplomatic row, signalling growing tensions between the two countries. The latest development comes as relations between the two nations have sharply deteriorated following accusations over the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist and broader concerns about foreign interference.
Diplomatic Expulsions
The situation became critical with the turn of events as Canada expulsed a high-ranking Indian diplomat, claiming India’s involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and influential Sikh leader who was killed in British Columbia in June of 2023. This move by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not look well, saying there were “credible allegations” that India could be tied up with the event, an event that sent shockwaves in the diplomatic circles.
India reacted swiftly by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat, describing the allegations as “absurd and motivated.” New Delhi had denied its responsibility for Nijjar’s killing and termed it a failure on part of Canada to check the activities of the Sikh separatist groups that New Delhi has traditionally viewed as a threat to national security.
At the heart of the rift is the issue of Sikh separatism, more particularly the Khalistan movement, established in a push for an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India. India has charged for some time that Canada harbors Sikh extremists and allows them to operate unmolested. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was an outspoken supporter of the Khalistan movement, and his killing brings to the forefront of Indo-Canadian relations a simmering issue.
New Delhi has been worried for decades about the seeming softness in the approach of Canada toward pro-Khalistan groups that are banned in India but have a presence in Canada. The killing of Nijjar, which Canada is yet to clarify, brings back the same apprehensions.
Trade and Diplomatic Relations at Risk
The diplomatic row has also started to bleed into economic relations between the two countries. In September 2023, India officially suspended trade talks with Canada, a decision many analysts believe was tied to growing tensions over Nijjar’s killing. The future of trade deals between the two countries is very uncertain and rising diplomatic actions threaten to send further setbacks for negotiations.
India and Canada have generally had good relations with one another, having important trade and investment ties and large diasporas of Indians in Canada. This deepening rift, however, threatens to cause irreparable damage to their bilateral relationship, touching trade as much as cooperation in international subjects like education and technology.
International Reactions
International onlookers, particularly among the Western allies, have not missed this diplomatic row. The United States and the United Kingdom asked both countries to settle the matter through diplomatic conversation. The U.S. had concerns over the allegations but did not take sides, instead pleading with Canada and India to hold an open investigation.
In addition, tensions between these two super democracies can have deep geopolitical consequences, especially in this Indo-Pacific region, where these two countries have common interests against the rise of China.
What’s Next?
So, as the diplomatic spat unfolds between Canada and India, the two countries would be navigating a sensitive situation, which can have serious fallouts. There is no apparent resolution in sight: expelled diplomats, suspended trade talks, and an ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s death.
India dismissed any involvement in Nijjar’s murder, while Canada is continuing to push for right accountability and transparency. This is thus making tensions now rise against both countries to run and return the diplomatic channels, however impossible that seems, considering the fact that the allegations have taken a highly charged flavor.
The world watches as the robust once-relationship between India and Canada faces an unprecedented test.
