Explaining Canada-India diplomatic tensions
Content warning: This article discusses violence and death.
Diplomatic tensions have sparked between Canada and India following an announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In a speech to the House of Commons on September 18, Trudeau claimed that security agencies in Canada were looking into “credible allegations” suggesting a possible connection between the Indian government and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination.
India's government swiftly refuted the charges, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi branding them as "absurd."
Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, was killed in British Columbia on June 18 outside of a Sikh temple. The Khalistan separatist movement advocates for an independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab state.
In the 1980s, the Indian government suppressed the movement, which resulted in a number of riots, causing the deaths of thousands of people. In 2016, the Indian government had labelled Nijjar as a wanted terrorist. Nijjar has refuted the Indian government’s accusations, insisting that he was not involved in any violence or terrorism.
Following Trudeau’s announcement, the Indian government ordered the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats. On October 19, Canada removed 41 of 62 diplomats from India after the Indian government threatened to revoke their diplomatic immunity. Trudeau later stated that India had violated the rights of the diplomats by expelling them from the country.
The Canadian government has not made evidence of the “credible allegations” available to the public. Yet, three-quarters of Canadians either “believe” or “somewhat believe” Trudeau’s claims against the Indian government.
Modi has also voiced concerns of Khalistan activism abroad, specifically regarding Sikh protests that occurred in Canada. In response, Trudeau stated that Canada will always defend peaceful protests, freedom of expression, and freedom of conscience.
On November 12, Trudeau announced that Canada “will always stand up for the rule of law.” He added that Canada will continue to “work constructively and positively with India.”