The Aakhya Weekly #119 | Fraying Ties: The Downward Spiral of India-Canada Relations
In Focus: Assessing the India-Canada Diplomatic Nosedive
by Sasanka Kanuparthi & Sujaya Sanjay
[First in a 3-Part Series on the India-Canada Relations]
Last Sunday (13th October), the Trudeau-led Government of Canada issued a communication notifying the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats to be ‘persons of interest’ pertaining to a domestic investigation over the death of pro-Khalistan separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded on Monday the 14th with a detailed and strongly worded statement–highly unusual by standards of diplomatic communications–defending the High Commissioner and attributing the allegations to Trudeau’s political agenda and vote bank politics. It is worth noting that Canada is heading to the polls in 2025, with growing dissent against PM Trudeau from his colleagues in the Labour Party. Back in New Delhi, the Indian Government went a step further, recalling its High Commissioner citing a lack of faith in the Canadian Government in ensuring the safety of Indian diplomats, and expelling six Canadian diplomats from India in reciprocity.
PM Trudeau’s allegations are not new to observers in India, given how they are privy to Canada’s apathy to Indian interests, attributed largely to the nexus between Sikh separatists and Canadian organised criminal gangs, even with the alleged support from leaders like Jagmeet Singh, who have advocated for the Khalistan movement. Last year, the Canadian PM accused the Government of India of killing a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar–a man who was on a no-fly list in Canada for long, designated as a terrorist by the Government of India and accused of carrying out extremist activities on Indian soil.
This standoff was the culmination of years of discontent, particularly from India’s side, over Canada’s perceived tolerance of pro-Khalistani activities. For decades, India had been sending a series of extradition requests and warnings about the extremist elements operating from Canadian soil, however, Canada had failed to act on them in a way that met India’s expectations. The 2023 diplomatic spat represented an unprecedented low in India-Canada relations. However, as part of the public hearings for an independent commission probing alleged foreign interference in Canadian elections, PM Trudeau admitted that his government shared intelligence but lacked concrete proof when alleging Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. PM Trudeau’s testimony before the foreign interference inquiry was questioned by the Indian Government as well as the Canadian opposition, as they dismissed his actions as politically motivated while lacking evidence. Undoubtedly, these are serious allegations which need to be addressed. However, the issue is tied to the larger complex history of Indo-Canadian relations, which echo to the present day.
A Brief Historical Background
India and Canada established diplomatic relations soon after India’s independence in 1947. The ties flourished over the following decades, reinforced by shared democratic principles and strong trade, education, and immigration links. The Indian diaspora, particularly the Sikh community, grew significantly in Canada, fostering deep people-to-people connections. This community, however, also became a source of tension as pro-Khalistan separatism, a movement to create an independent Sikh state in India, found strong support among a miniscule portion of the Sikh community in Canada.
Khalistan activism gained prominence in Canada during the 1980s following the rise of the movement in India. After the 1984 assassination of the then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots in India, Canada became a hub for Khalistani sympathisers. While the movement lost much of its steam in India, its ideological remnants persisted in Canada. Over the years, Indian authorities repeatedly raised concerns over the unchecked activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada, especially their perceived links to extremist elements.
Ties were further strained following the bombing of Air India Flight 812 (Kanishka) in June 1985, which resulted in the deaths of all 329 people on board (both Indians and Canadians). PM Trudeau’s father Pierre Trudeau, who was Prime Minister of Canada at the time, refused to answer India’s request for extradition of one Talwinder Singh Parmar, who India identified as the mastermind behind the terror attack.
In 2018, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited India, a trip initially aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. However, the visit became embroiled in controversy when Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, was invited to a Canadian government event in Mumbai. Atwal had been convicted in the 1980s for attempting to assassinate an Indian politician in Canada. The inclusion of Atwal in an official event sparked outrage in India, further exacerbating concerns over Canada’s handling of Khalistani extremists.
The controversy underscored India’s long-standing frustration with Canada's perceived inaction against Khalistani elements. For years, India had been sending extradition requests and dossiers to Canada, urging it to take more decisive steps against individuals involved in anti-India activities, however, these efforts had largely been met with reluctance. The Atwal incident highlighted the growing disconnect between the two governments on this critical issue.
June 2023: The Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Tensions between India and Canada spiked after the June 2023 assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's September accusation after India’s G20, that Indian agents were involved, India rejected the claim and responded by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat. The diplomatic row intensified as India halted visa issuance for Canadians and demanded a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic staff in India, with Canada forced to withdraw 41 diplomats by October 2023. Moreover, India reportedly informed Canada about Hardeep Singh Nijjar's terrorist activities and how he fled to Canada in 1997 using a fake passport, but no action was taken despite an Interpol Red Corner Notice in 2014. Nijjar's asylum request was initially rejected, but he later gained Canadian citizenship under unclear circumstances.
Sovereignty, Integrity, and Separatist Movements: A Persistent Thorn in Bilateral Relations
The pro-Khalistan separatist movement has been central to the deterioration of relations between India and Canada. India views the movement as a grave threat to its territorial integrity and has long been concerned about the activities of Khalistani separatists and sympathisers in Canada. For India, the Khalistani groups’ growing influence in Canadian politics is a destabilising force that promotes extremism and violence. It is worth noting that while Canada also contends with a separatist movement in Quebec, which appears to gather steam from time to time, the Government of India has never once indicated official support for the same, or indeed, officially addressed the issue at all.
In recent years, Justin Trudeau has further attracted New Delhi’s ire by commenting on India’s domestic issues under the guise of promoting free speech, with one notable case being the 2021 protests in India against the farm bills. Acts of vandalism and desecration of Hindu temples by pro-Khalistani groups in Canada have further strained relations. It is no surprise, therefore, that New Delhi views this as a violation of India’s territorial sovereignty.
It might also be pointed out that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also facing an inquiry into alleged interference by another foreign power–China–in Canada’s electoral processes. However, his statements on the issue have been largely muted, leading some to question the timing of his latest diatribe against India and whether the India accusation is a ploy to shield China. From an Indian perspective, keeping in mind the influence of the Sikh diaspora on electoral outcomes in Canada, Trudeau’s latest allegations against India could only be described as hollow and self-serving.
India’s restrained approach to these provocations has been noteworthy. Despite its strong objections, India has consistently sought diplomatic solutions and avoided escalating tensions through aggressive actions. Over the years, India has repeatedly provided Canada with detailed dossiers, evidence, and extradition requests for individuals involved in promoting separatism; yet Canada’s response has remained tepid, causing further frustration in New Delhi.
Consequences for Bilateral Relations
The diplomatic rift has far-reaching implications for both nations. India and Canada have long been partners in areas such as trade, technology, education, and defence. The diplomatic spat has stalled negotiations for an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) and disrupted travel and exchange programs. Indian students, who constitute a large proportion of Canada’s international student population, have also been affected by the visa restrictions.
Furthermore, the strained relations could impact Canada’s broader strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, where India plays a crucial role. Canada’s ability to engage with India on global issues such as climate change, regional security, and multilateral cooperation may be hindered if the diplomatic deadlock continues.
What of the ‘Rules-based International Order’?
The India-Canada diplomatic spat is the latest in a series of events that indicate the global South’s growing cynicism and mistrust regarding the “rules-based international order”. The West has been routinely accused of double standards concerning political sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to the principle of non-intervention–an accusation that is adduced by adversaries of the West to justify their own actions. In this case, given Trudeau’s publicly expressed interest in India’s internal affairs, countries like India are bound to wonder whether adherence to the rules-based order is really universal, or just another facet of the colonial experience.
Conclusion: A Path to Resolution?
The deterioration of India-Canada relations is rooted in deep-seated disagreements over how to handle extremism, particularly the issue of Canada becoming a fertile ground for the Khalistan separatist movement, in addition to the oft-seen paternalism with which Canada’s leadership treats issues concerning India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Given how far things have come in the past few days, Indian officialdom as well as the masses are unlikely to perceive the Canadian position favourably.
The Indian experience in similar situations in the past often resulted in acceptance and acquiescence to geopolitical compulsions and Western power projections. Nonetheless, we are in 2024, where the geopolitical realities of the post-WWII years no longer apply. Any resolution or rapprochement between India and Canada must begin as a bona fide conversation between two sovereign independent States, free of electoral and votebank considerations, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, and to resolve this deadlock for the sake of both peoples.
Top Stories of the Week
District Master Plan Under PM-Gati Shakti Initiative
The PM-Gati Shakti initiative, a cornerstone of India's infrastructure development strategy, has recently launched a district master plan, streamlining infrastructural planning in 27 aspirational districts. This comprehensive framework, spearheaded by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, seeks to advance coordinated development across various sectors, including transportation, logistics, and basic services.
With the integration of efforts from multiple ministries and stakeholders, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity and reduce logistical costs, thereby promoting economic growth in the targeted districts. The district master plan focuses on allocating resources and infrastructure, ensuring community needs are at the forefront of development efforts. The PM-Gati Shakti scheme emphasises the transformation of rural and semi-urban areas and addresses the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation. Its scope includes social infrastructure, and mapping facilities like power distribution lines, schools, and hospitals through the ‘Area Development Approach’. This expansion integrates physical and social infrastructure planning, contributing to both ease of doing business and ease of living. By leveraging technology and data analytics, the master plan will bolster efficiency and effectiveness in execution.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the broader national vision of achieving inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life. It addresses disparities by channelling investments into underserved regions, fostering equitable development. As the country grapples with infrastructure bottlenecks, the district master plan under the PM-Gati Shakti initiative represents a proactive stride towards comprehensive planning and execution, laying the groundwork for a robust and resilient economic future for all districts involved.
PM Internship Scheme Bridge the Gap in Employability
The recently launched PM Internship Scheme has rapidly attracted significant interest among Indian youth, with over 1.55 lakh applicants registering within 24 hours of its launch. This initiative aims to provide valuable work experience to students and recent graduates, aligning with the government's commitment to enhance employability and skill development among the young workforce. The scheme offers internships across various sectors, enabling participants to gain practical exposure to real-world challenges while working with government ministries and departments. This exposure is crucial for bridging the gap between educational qualifications and job market expectations, thereby assisting in creating a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the evolving economy.
Moreover, the PM Internship Scheme underscores the government’s focus on integrating technology within public services. By utilising an online portal for registrations, the scheme not only enhances accessibility but also streamlines the onboarding process for applicants. This digital approach represents a noteworthy shift towards more efficient governance. The immediate registration response reflects the scheme's potential impact in fostering a culture of internship among youth, promoting learning-by-doing, and enhancing their career prospects. As participants gain experience, they are expected to contribute more effectively to the workforce, ultimately aiding the nation's economic growth. The PM Internship Scheme is vital in empowering the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive job market while fueling the broader objectives of nation-building and economic resilience.
US - India $2M AI and Quantum Research Grant Announcement
The United States and India have announced over USD 2 million in grants for joint research projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology. This initiative is the right step in enhancing bilateral cooperation in advanced technology and innovation. The grants will fund multiple research projects, fostering collaboration between academic institutions, research organisations, and industry experts in both nations.
AI and quantum technologies are expected to play critical roles in shaping the future of cybersecurity, national security, and technological advancements. This collaboration will leverage India’s growing talent pool in AI and the US's established research ecosystem, creating a synergy to accelerate breakthroughs in emerging fields. Both countries aim to develop practical applications in healthcare, data security, and climate change solutions.
This joint effort aligns with the India-US commitment to drive innovation in key technology areas, ensuring they remain competitive in the global race for technological leadership. The grants underscore the importance of fostering cross-border research and development to address global challenges while advancing their strategic interests in critical technologies. The partnership is a strategic move to ensure that AI and quantum computing advancements benefit both nations, shaping the digital future and strengthening their roles in the global economy.
A Few Good Reads
S. Irudaya Rajan and U.S. Mishra argue that a transformation of India’s agri-food system is needed to ensure that healthy diets are available and affordable for everyone.
“The answers to India’s problem on the Radcliffe Line might well depend on the kind of lessons that Pakistan might draw from the turbulence on its western frontiers,” C. Raja Mohan highlights.
Shyam Saran discusses how Saudi Arabia is leveraging advanced technology to transform into a modern, high-income nation while leading in cyberspace governance.
Prachi Priya and R.V. Anuradha stress that India should create a carbon market and rationalise domestic levies in response to the EU's CBAM.
Arvind Subramanium discusses why "Colonial Origins of Comparative Development" by Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson is Nobel-worthy.