The current diplomatic tension between India and Canada has been at this stage for more than one year now. It has been raised after increment in violence and hatred crimes and even the death of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. There’s no love between the two countries as the two have in recent past expelled each other’s ambassadors. Four local experts also agree that this kind of conflict situation can still negatively impact India’s the international position which can be considered as a weakness.
The Killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Nijjar the Khalistani separatist movement activist was killed by the gunmen in British Columbia in June 2023. This movement calls for a separate Sikh homeland which India has branded as terrorism. India had declared Nijjar a terrorist in 2020 and demanded his extradition for carrying out acts of terror on Indian citizens.
Canadian officials have claimed that India was involved in Nijjar’s assassination, making severe accusations against India operations overseas. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said they have compiled sufficient evidence to incriminate Indian officials over Nijjar’s death. This assertion has precipitated a very steep decline in diplomacy between the countries.
Tit-for-Tat Expulsions
India outraged by Canada’s allegations deported Canadian diplomats, including acting high commissioner, and five diplomats. India dismissed the accusations as “baseless” and categorizes them as part of political warfare launched by the Trudeau government. This diplomatic spat is lows as the relations have been tensions since last year when India demanded that Canada should reduce its diplomats.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
According to the opinions of the experts, the current relations between India and Canada will be affected for quite a long time. Senior analyst Praveen Donthi observed this as a disadvantage to India as the country aims for diplomatic growth to other nations. Michael Kugelman from the Wilson Center noted that India is uncomfortable with external criticism, especially if coming from Canada.
The conflict may also affect new partnerships that India is forging with countries such as the United States which sees India as partner against China’s rising power. The U.S. State Department has called on India to get involved with Canada in the probe into the killing of Nijjar, and suggested that this conflict can also influence U.S.-India relations.
Domestic and International Ramifications
The accusations could destabilize Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s domestic base, as anything perceived as a criticism of the Indian government is disliked. It is needless to say, some critics also argue that this belligerent diplomacy is aimed at building Modi’s domestic constituency where nationalism is also important.
Furthermore, it puts at peril the emerging India’s image of the country as an ascendant global capital. Professor at University of Ottawa, Roland Paris also stated that India needs to play responsible world roles as a rule of law democracy.
Conclusion
The diplomatic fallout between India and Canada is a critical issue with far-reaching consequences. As both countries grapple with their strained relationship, the potential for future collaboration may be hindered. With accusations flying and diplomatic ties severed, the path forward for India and Canada remains uncertain. The international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds, as it has implications not just for these two nations but for global geopolitics as well.
