Tensions between India and Canada have reached unprecedented levels following the expulsion of the top diplomats in a rapidly escalating dispute over the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Move, marking a historic low in the relationship between the two nations, follows allegations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s 2023 killing on Canadian soil.
Najjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan advocate, had been labeled a terrorist by the Indian government, which vehemently denies involvement in his death. Diplomatic fallout underscores increasingly strained ties between the two countries, which have been at odds over Sikh separatism and India’s security concerns for decades. This latest row, however, represents an unprecedented level of open confrontation.
A History of Strained Relations
While disagreements between the two nations have surfaced in the past—most notably in the 1970s when Canada accused India of using plutonium from a Canadian-supplied reactor for nuclear weapons testing—such disputes never resulted in the expulsion of diplomats. The current crisis centers on Sikh separatism, a sensitive issue rooted in the 1980s insurgency for a separate Sikh homeland, Khalistan, which remains a point of contention.
Canada, home to the largest Sikh diaspora outside India, has long faced criticism from Delhi for what it perceives as laxity in controlling pro-Khalistan elements within its borders. Re are some 770,000 Sikhs living in Canada, making up a significant portion of the Indian-origin community.
Diplomatic Fallout
current crisis erupted when Trudeau, citing Canadian intelligence, claimed that his government was investigating “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. Canadian authorities went further, alleging that Indian agents were linked to violent acts targeting pro-Khalistan activists in Canada. Se allegations were flatly rejected by India as “absurd” and politically motivated.
In response to Trudeau’s remarks, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, with Canada reciprocating in kind. The public nature of the expulsions, coupled with detailed accusations, has brought the relationship to a breaking point. Experts note that this represents an alarming shift in diplomatic dynamics between the two countries, with serious long-term implications for Irish ties.
Domestic and Political Implications
timing of these tensions is particularly critical for Trudeau, who faces domestic challenges, with elections expected in late 2025. His government has been criticized for handling the crisis poorly, with some suggesting that allegations against India could further strain his standing with Canada’s diverse Indian-origin community. Trudeau’s past support for Sikh causes, including his 2020 comments on Indian farmers’ protests, has drawn rebukes from Delhi, exacerbating the current divide.
However, analysts like Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center point out that the fundamental disconnect between the two nations’ views on Sikh activism is a key factor driving the crisis. “India views pro-Khalistan activity as a major security threat, while Canada regards it as free speech and dissent,” Kugelman notes, emphasizing that this difference has now erupted into an unprecedented diplomatic confrontation.
Broader Impact on Bilateral Ties
Despite current tensions, both nations have much at stake. Canada is home to over 1.3 million people of Indian origin, and India remains a top source of international students for Canadian universities. Moreover, bilateral trade between the two countries has expanded significantly, making India Canada’s 10th largest trading partner.
Nevertheless, a deepening rift is likely to have long-lasting effects. Experts believe the Trudeau government’s ability to resolve the crisis is limited, particularly as it nears the end of its current term. “At a high bilateral level, I don’t think he is much the current Canadian government can do,” says Ryan Touhey, a historian and expert on Canada-India relations, noting impact of people-to-people links might be more resilient than high-level diplomatic ties.
Conclusion
For now, relations between India and Canada appear to be at an impasse, with neither side showing signs of backing down. As accusations fly and diplomats are expelled, the fallout from the Nijjar assassination may continue to reverberate for years, reshaping the future of Indo-Canadian relations and challenging both countries’ diplomatic strategies moving forward.
