The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has reached a critical point, as India recently decided to withdraw its High Commissioner, Sanjay Verma, from Ottawa. The Indian government cited concerns over Canada’s inability to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats in light of growing tensions between the two nations. The move came after Canada suggested that Indian diplomats were under investigation for alleged connections to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani activist.
The Evolution of India-Canada Ties
India-Canada relations have seen several phases over the past decade, initially experiencing growth and optimism. Under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, significant efforts were made to strengthen bilateral ties. In 2010, Harper’s administration initiated negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with India, symbolizing a commitment to deeper economic engagement. The same year, Canada designated 2011 as the “Year of India,” acknowledging India’s rising significance on the global stage.
Harper’s tenure witnessed a landmark moment in 2015 with the signing of a civil nuclear agreement. Canada agreed to supply uranium to India for civilian energy needs, further cementing the foundation for future collaboration. The groundwork was laid for Trudeau’s arrival in office later that year, with trade relations and strategic cooperation showing promise.
Trudeau’s Inheritance: The Changing Dynamics
When Justin Trudeau took office in 2015, he inherited a relatively stable bilateral relationship with India. The Liberal Party had campaigned for closer trade ties, but Trudeau’s stance on India was perceived as ambiguous beyond the economic agenda. During his initial term, some experts noted that bilateral relations had been put on “auto-pilot,” as the momentum built over the previous decade began to wane. Trade negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement slowed, signaling a potential shift in focus.
Trudeau’s high-profile visit to India in 2018, meant to boost relations, quickly became controversial. The visit was marred by the invitation of Jaspal Atwal, a former pro-Khalistan militant convicted for attempting to assassinate an Indian minister in 1986, to a dinner hosted by the Canadian High Commission. Although the invitation was rescinded, the incident cast a long shadow, raising questions about Canada’s stance on Khalistani extremism.
Khalistan Movement’s Influence on Canadian Politics
One of the primary factors contributing to the strain in India-Canada relations is the Khalistan movement, a separatist agenda advocating for an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region. This movement has a historical presence in Canada, with a section of the Sikh diaspora actively supporting it. While Khalistan remains a fringe movement in India, it enjoys significant influence within some segments of the Sikh community in Canada.
The Khalistan movement’s political clout in Canada is not insignificant. The Sikh community constitutes a substantial vote bank, and pro-Khalistan groups have used their leverage to exert political influence, particularly within the Liberal Party. Trudeau’s administration has found itself balancing domestic political considerations with the need to maintain healthy diplomatic relations with India.
During Trudeau’s 2018 visit to India, despite efforts to establish a joint framework for counter-terrorism that explicitly mentioned pro-Khalistan groups like Babbar Khalsa International, Canada’s subsequent backtracking disappointed Indian officials. References to Khalistani extremism were notably absent from subsequent government reports, suggesting a reluctance to confront these groups directly due to domestic political pressures.
The Farmer Protests and the Coalition Government’s Role
The farmer protests in India from late 2020 to early 2021 further strained bilateral ties. Trudeau’s public comments on the protests, perceived in India as interference in its internal affairs, provoked a sharp diplomatic rebuke. The remarks were seen as catering to the sentiments of the Sikh diaspora, some of whom had supported the protests.
The 2021 federal elections in Canada saw Trudeau’s party lose its majority, leading to a coalition with the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Jagmeet Singh. Singh, a vocal critic of India, has participated in pro-Khalistan rallies and has referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as a “genocide.” His leadership and the influence of the NDP within the coalition complicated the bilateral relationship further. Singh’s stance on India added an element of political friction, as the Indian government perceived the coalition’s approach as sympathetic to anti-India elements.
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar Controversy
The fragile state of India-Canada relations was pushed to the brink in 2023, following India’s crackdown on Amritpal Singh, an extremist figure linked to pro-Khalistan activities. The measures taken by the Indian authorities, including internet shutdowns, drew condemnation from Jagmeet Singh, who labeled them as “draconian.” This led to further protests by pro-Khalistan groups outside the Indian High Commission in Canada, where incidents of smoke grenades being used heightened security concerns.
The controversy surrounding Hardeep Singh Nijjar added another layer of complexity. Nijjar, a known Khalistani activist, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, and Trudeau’s subsequent allegations in September 2023 suggested the involvement of Indian government officials in the assassination. However, these claims were made without substantial evidence, which led to a sharp response from India. The Indian government rejected the allegations and criticized Canada for failing to act against anti-India extremist elements operating from within its borders.
This diplomatic spat resulted in a series of retaliatory measures, including the expulsion of diplomats and the halting of trade talks. On October 15, 2024, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler. This step was preceded by India’s withdrawal of its own High Commissioner from Canada, underscoring the depth of the diplomatic crisis.
The current standoff represents a low point in the history of India-Canada relations. While political and diplomatic confrontations have surfaced periodically, the present situation reflects a more profound disagreement, particularly regarding the handling of extremist elements. For India, the issue is not only about diplomatic relations but also concerns national security. The presence of Khalistani sympathizers in Canada, coupled with their influence on domestic politics, has exacerbated tensions.
Trudeau’s reliance on Khalistani supporters has placed Canada in a challenging position. It has not only strained diplomatic relations with India but also raised concerns about Canada’s ability to control extremist elements. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has been vocal in his criticism of Canada’s political pandering to these groups, making it clear that India views the situation as a serious threat to its interests.
The withdrawal of the High Commissioner and the expulsion of diplomats are stark reminders that the India-Canada relationship stands at a crossroads. While economic, cultural, and strategic ties have historically provided a solid foundation, these recent developments pose a significant challenge. The accusations against Indian officials, without solid evidence, combined with Canada’s domestic political considerations, make it difficult to foresee a rapid resolution.
Both nations will need to navigate this period of hostility carefully, addressing underlying concerns that have driven a wedge between them. Diplomatic dialogue must be re-established, with both sides recognizing the broader implications of prolonged animosity. The history of India-Canada relations suggests that diplomacy has often involved balancing mutual interests with domestic considerations. Finding common ground may take time, but it will be essential to avoid allowing relations to regress into a sustained period of confrontation.
