In a shocking turn of events, a murder accusation has set the stage for a complex and potentially far-reaching diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. The allegation, made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, implicates the Indian government in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, in British Columbia earlier this year. This article explores the background of the dispute, its implications for both countries, and its impact on the wider global stage.
To understand the gravity of the current dispute, one must delve into the historical context of India-Canada relations. The strained relationship between the two nations can be traced back to the early 1980s when the Khalistan separatist movement was at its peak in Punjab, India. During this period, Canada faced accusations from India of harboring terrorists and supporters of the separatist movement, which India claimed undermined its sovereignty and led to violence in Punjab. The memory of the Air India Kanishka jet bombing, an act of terrorism associated with the Khalistan movement, remains etched in the Indian national consciousness. Many in India believe that Canada has not taken adequate steps to bring the culprits to justice.
The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18, 2023, is at the heart of the dispute. Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen and a proponent of Sikh independence, was gunned down outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple. His ascension to the leadership of the temple in 2019 marked a shift towards a more strident and political direction for the institution, which likely drew suspicion from the Indian government. In 2020, India declared Nijjar a terrorist, accusing him of plotting an attack in India and leading a terrorist group.
Prime Minister Trudeau’s accusation that agents of the Indian government were involved in Nijjar’s murder has set off a chain of diplomatic actions and reactions. India vehemently denied any involvement and reciprocated by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat, leading to a diplomatic crisis that threatens to damage relations between the two nations significantly.
India has categorically dismissed the accusations as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response to Canada’s expulsion of an Indian official related to the case, India reciprocated by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat. This diplomatic spat between India and Canada has led to concerns about India’s standing as a democratic nation committed to a rules-based global order.
The dispute’s repercussions extend beyond diplomatic circles, affecting the Indian diaspora, not only in Canada but also in the United States. Sikh and Hindu Canadians have reported feeling targeted and insecure, while the diplomatic fallout could affect Indian immigration to Canada. Over the past decade, immigration from India to Canada has surged dramatically, with the number of Indian immigrants more than tripling from 32,000 in 2013 to over 118,000 in recent years. Additionally, India sends the highest number of students to Canada compared to any other country.
This dispute holds potential global implications, particularly concerning the Indo-Pacific region. Canada’s aspirations to join the network of Indo-Pacific institutions could be hampered if its relations with India continue to deteriorate. India’s influence and power in the region could prevent Canada from gaining membership in certain groups, affecting its strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, the dispute could impact intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation between India and Canada, as Canada’s Five Eyes partners may reconsider their relationships with India if conclusive evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder emerges.
The Canada-India dispute also highlights the challenges faced by countries with diverse and politically engaged diaspora communities. The influence of diaspora politics on foreign policy decisions cannot be underestimated, as leaders must balance the interests of these communities with their broader international relations.
For the United States, which has a stake in maintaining positive relations with both Canada and India, finding a middle ground in this dispute is crucial. While Canada remains a top trading partner and a key ally, India’s growing importance as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific complicates matters. The United States cannot afford to alienate either nation and must work to facilitate a resolution through dialogue between Canada and India.
Given China’s rise, India is currently of huge strategic importance to the West. India has always been sensitive about the issue of its sovereignty. Over the years, the country has complained about external interference in its internal affairs and touted its respect for other countries’ sovereignty. Whether the Indian government is justified in its complaints about Canada’s laxity on Sikh terrorism or not, if it was behind Nijjar’s assassination, the act would count as a violation of Canadian sovereignty and an interference in Canadian domestic politics. That will not be easily forgotten by India’s partner.
The India-Canada dispute over the murder accusation has far-reaching implications for both nations and the wider world. It underscores the challenges of managing relations with politically active diaspora communities and the delicate balance required in international diplomacy. As the dispute continues to unfold, finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved will be critical to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific and preserving the integrity of international relations.