A diplomatic row between India and Canada has escalated, leading to the expulsion of each other’s top diplomats amid allegations surrounding the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada. This incident has further strained bilateral relations between the two countries, making it challenging for them to move forward with their once-promising partnership. India’s aspirations to position itself as a rising global power could also be impacted by this diplomatic standoff.
Canada accused India of involvement in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, leading to the expulsion of Indian diplomats. India rejected these accusations and retaliated by expelling Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats. The tensions between the two nations have been growing since last year, and this recent development could take a long time to repair, according to experts.
India has long been concerned about Sikh separatist groups, which have strained its relationship with Canada where a significant percentage of the population is Sikh. There are allegations that Canada has allowed Sikh separatists to operate freely, causing further tension between the two countries. The accusations made by Canada against Indian officials regarding Nijjar’s assassination have heightened this conflict.
The Indian government views the accusations from Canada as part of the Trudeau government’s political agenda, especially as the Canadian leader faces national elections next year. India’s sensitivity to external criticism and fear of internal political repercussions have led to a strong reaction against Canada. The relationship between the two countries is currently on “life support,” with India’s concerns about Khalistan movement in Canada playing a significant role in straining their diplomatic ties.
India has been cooperating with U.S. officials in investigating similar allegations of Indian officials plotting activities on foreign soil. Last year, U.S. prosecutors reported a failed assassination plot orchestrated by an Indian government official against a Sikh separatist leader in New York. While India expressed concern over the allegations, it has been cooperating with the U.S. investigation. Despite this, India has refused to cooperate in the Canadian investigation, worsening the diplomatic rift between the two countries.
The standoff between India and Canada could have wide-ranging implications for India’s global ambitions, especially as it seeks to establish itself as a rising power on the world stage. The conflict could impact the strategic understanding between the U.S. and Western democracies, which have been cultivating India as a counterbalance to China’s growing assertiveness. The allegations made by Canada against India could disrupt the favorable external environment that India has been enjoying and hinder its progress towards achieving great power status.
