Indo-Canadian ties have reached a new low. This unfortunate downturn, however, was entirely avoidable. If Canada had respected India’s concerns, voiced for decades, and disallowed Khalistani radicals from using Canadian soil to mount anti-Indian activities, matters would not have deteriorated so much. But, on account of domestic political compulsions, Justin Trudeau has allowed Khalistanis a free rein.
All the worse that he has forgotten the victims of the terrorist bombing of AI 182 in 1985, which claimed 329 mostly Canadian lives. Instead, Trudeau keeps harping on the alleged killing of one individual, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a wanted criminal and Khalistani, whose Canadian citizenship itself was obtained on the basis of false statements.
To deescalate the tension, it may be necessary, first of all, to backtrack a bit. Let us acknowledge that the relationship between India and Canada has long been one characterised by diplomatic cordiality, shared values, and a significant Indian diaspora in Canada. Also that in recent years, this once robust friendship has faced a series of challenges and strains. At the heart of these challenges is the fact that Canada has not done enough to address India’s concerns regarding the activities of Khalistani radicals on its soil.
The Indo-Canadian relationship has deep historical roots, dating back to the arrival of Punjabi immigrants in Canada in the early 20th century. Over time, this community has grown and thrived, contributing to Canada’s cultural and economic fabric. Both nations have benefited from this close connection, fostering economic, political, and cultural ties that seemed unbreakable.
But instead of cracking down on a small number of Khalistani radicals who bully their own community, indulge in criminal activities, are members of gangs, and control many Gurdwaras, Canadian authorities, in the name of freedom of speech, have preferred to look the other way. What is galling to India is that many of these radicals have well-established links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as well as the backing of other professedly anti-India groups and lobbies.
India has been conveying its concerns to Canada for decades through diplomatic channels. However, the Canadian government, especially the present regime led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has chosen to disregard India’s concerns. Why? Because Trudeau’s minority coalition is supported by parties which have Khalistani inclinations.
The Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state only within India, without claiming any territory in neighbouring Pakistan, is so obviously an anti-India plot. That it was comprehensively defeated in India nearly thirty years back has not deterred its finding support in the Sikh diaspora, especially in Canada.
While the vast majority of the Sikh community in Canada is peace-loving and law-abiding, there have been instances of radical elements promoting separatism and indulging in anti-Indian activities. India has consistently voiced its apprehensions over these activities, which have the potential to undermine not only its sovereignty but also the harmony within the Sikh community in Canada. Worse, the criminal elements within the radicals can harm Canadians themselves, as was the case with the bombing of AI 182.
The tragic terrorist bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985, which claimed 329 lives, mostly Canadian citizens, remains a painful memory for both nations. This event, perpetrated by Sikh extremists seeking an independent Khalistan, was a stark reminder of the potential consequences of harbouring and allowing such radical elements to operate without restraint. While these concerns have persisted, some argue that the Canadian government has, in recent years, focused more on domestic political interests than on addressing India’s worries.
The recent strain in Indo-Canadian relations is closely linked to the perceived inaction by the Canadian government regarding these concerns. Critics argue that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for political reasons, has been less proactive in addressing the Khalistani issue, thus allowing radical elements to operate with relative impunity on Canadian soil.
This perceived neglect has resulted in a significant downturn in diplomatic relations. The latest fallout of which is the halving of the strength of Canadian diplomats in India. This has the Canadians calling foul, weeping, so the speak, on the shoulders of their Anglo-allies, while India claims that diplomatic reciprocity, under the Vienna Convention, also implies parity in the number of diplomats posted in each country. It is rumoured that several extra numerary Canadian diplomats are sent off to India. The Canadian government, on the other hand, claims that the large number of Canadians of Indian origin require a much larger diplomatic presence on Indian soil.
Given this background, what is the way forward? First and foremost, Canada needs to stop playing the victim and spoilsport. Trudeau needs to acknowledge India’s legitimate interests and concerns over his government’s laxity on the Khalistani issue. Once this is done, Canada must do its part to curb anti-India activities taking place on its soil, especially those that are blatantly illegal or criminal. This includes cracking down on groups that espouse a violent overthrow of a democratically elected Indian government and also offering asylum to those who make dubious claims of religious persecution in India.
When Canadian intentions are evident in actions on the ground, there is little doubt that relations are bound to improve. There is also every likelihood that the diplomats shown the door will be welcomed back. While Trudeau’s concerns over his own constituents and supporters are well understood, he also needs to reflect not just on how heavy a diplomatic price he is willing to pay in terms of his country’s deteriorating relations with India, but also his growing unpopularity in domestic politics. The opposition has already called him incompetent and childish for the manner in which he has handled this issue.
To navigate the current strains in Indo-Canadian relations, both nations must find the right balance. The ball is quite clearly in Canada’s court. It must address India’s legitimate concerns about Khalistani extremism. When it comes to respecting the rights and interests of the Sikh community in Canada, India is sure to support Canada. This balance can be achieved through open dialogue, collaboration, and a clear understanding of the need to separate individual cases, such as Nijjar’s alleged killing, from broader policy issues.
While respecting the principles of free speech and political expression, the Canadian government can certainly be proactive in curbing anti-India criminals and law-breakers in its backyard. At the same time, both countries can work together to monitor and investigate activities that cross the line into advocating violence or separatism. Collaboration and information sharing between the two nations can help counteract the activities of extremist elements. The future of Indo-Canadian relations depends on such steps to restore cordial relations.
The writer is an author, columnist, and professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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