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The Prime Minister of Canada accused Indian government agents to murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, the event has significantly deteriorated bilateral ties between Canada and India.
Canadian authorities have claimed that they have evidence that suggests that agents from the Indian government were involved in serious crimes, including homicides, targeting the South Asian community in Canada.
They report that Indian diplomats used their positions to collect information on Canadians, particularly targeting those connected to the Khalistani movement.
The Canadian authorities stated that evidence was presented to Indian officials, however, they did not disclose the specific details of this evidence.
They accused that Indian diplomats shared information about specific Canadians with India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and then the information was allegedly passed to criminal gangs in India, particularly involving Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently in custody but uncharged.
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Canada accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s murder, which India denied, calling it part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political agenda. |
The Khalistan movement aims to create a separate Sikh nation from Punjab, the movement was strong in the 1980s and early 1990s, leading to violence that resulted in many deaths. Today, most vocal advocates of Khalistan are found within the Punjabi diaspora, especially in Canada.
About 1.5 million people of Indian origin live in Canada, with the majority of them identifying as Sikh. India has expressed strong concerns that the Sikh hardliners in Canada are trying to revive separatist sentiments in India.
In recent years, the relationship between both nations has worsened. India blames Canada for being too soft towards Khalistani supporters. Incidents such as vandalism of Hindu temples by Khalistani groups and the organization of referendums for an independent Sikh state have further aggravated tensions.
The Sikh community in Canada makes up over 2% of the population. The current political condition in Canada has seen leaders like Jagmeet Singh, a pro-Khalistan politician, gaining significant political influence.
In the 2019 elections, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party formed a coalition with Singh's New Democratic Party, which has placed political pressure on Trudeau to avoid action against Khalistani supporters.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar (the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)) was designated as a terrorist by the Indian Government in July 2020 for his role in the Khalistan movement. In June 2023, Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Canada, this has led to intense assumption about potential involvement of Indian intelligence agencies.
India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947, over the decades, the relationship has evolved, influenced by global events, domestic policies, and the changing geopolitical landscape. Both countries share common values of democracy, pluralism, and a commitment to a rules-based international order.
The relationship took a blow in 1974, when India conducted its first nuclear test, by using plutonium from a Canadian-supplied reactor. This led to a freeze in nuclear cooperation for several decades.
The presence of Sikh separatists in Canada advocating for an independent Khalistan has been a continuous source of tension. The recent assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader, led to diplomatic removals.
In 2022, bilateral trade reached USD 10.50 billion, with India exporting goods worth USD 6.40 billion and importing USD 4.10 billion.
Major exports from India include gems, pharmaceuticals, and machinery, while Canada exports items like pulses, wood pulp, and chemicals to India.
Canadian pension funds have invested over USD 75 billion in India, and more than 600 Canadian companies operate in India.
In March 2022, both nations agreed to restart negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), along with discussions for an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) to boost commercial ties. However, these discussions were paused in September 2023 due to the increasing diplomatic conflict.
India is the largest source of international students in Canada. Indian students contribute significantly to the Canadian education sector, both economically and culturally.
India and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2016 to cooperate on military technology and training, this agreement was renewed in 2021, highlighting the commitment to strengthen defense ties.
Both nations have engaged in counter-terrorism efforts since 1997 through the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism, in 2018, they signed a framework to enhance cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism.
India and Canada signed a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) in 2010 for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and a Joint Committee was formed to supervise its implementation.
During the Indian Prime Minister's visit in 2015, an agreement for uranium supply was signed to solidify ties in this field.
In September 2015, India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) agreed to share knowledge on nuclear safety.
India's Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have collaborated since 1996, signing several MoUs for satellite tracking and space astronomy. ISRO has launched various nanosatellites from Canada, including Canada's first LEO satellite in January 2018.
The most recent and severe tension came from allegations that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. This led to both countries expelling each other’s top diplomats.
India has been concerned about the increasing support for the Khalistan movement within Canada, which seeks an independent Sikh nation. Canada’s large Sikh diaspora, some of whom support this movement, has been a point of friction.
There have been disputes over trade policies and tariffs, impacting economic relations. Both countries have struggled to finalize a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to enhance trade relations.
Regular high-level meetings and dialogues can help in addressing misunderstandings and build trust. There is a need to establish a joint task force to handle specific issues like extremism and trade.
Both countries can enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, by sharing intelligence and working together to combat extremism.
By finalizing and implementing trade agreements to strengthen economic ties, both nations could explore new areas of cooperation in technology, renewable energy, and education.
Acknowledging and addressing grievances through diplomatic channels can provide a way for a more stable relationship. Both countries need to work on building mutual respect and understanding.
India and Canada have a multifaceted relationship with significant potential for growth. Political and security issues currently pose challenges, however, economic and cultural ties can offer a strong foundation for future cooperation.
By addressing mutual concerns through dialogue and collaboration, both nations can enhance their partnership for mutual benefit.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Critically analyze how the recent diplomatic tensions have impacted the overall diplomatic relationship between India and Canada. What measures can be taken to rebuild trust? (150 words) |
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