Relations between India and Canada have taken a sharp turn for the worse in recent months.
India has expelled a Canadian diplomat in response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that the Indian government might have been involved in the shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia.
In response, Canada has expelled an Indian diplomat identified as the senior intelligence officer at the embassy.
Trudeau’s accusation, made during a speech in Parliament on Monday, came after weeks of confidential discussions with allied nations over Nijjar’s killing, leading to a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries.
The expelled Canadian diplomat’s identity was not disclosed in the Indian government’s statement, but the Hindustan Times described them as the head of the Canadian intelligence service’s New Delhi station.
Before Trudeau’s announcement, Canada had approached its closest allies, including the United States, requesting public condemnation of Nijjar’s killing, but these requests were reportedly declined.
Background
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, had been designated a terrorist by Indian security agencies in 2020. India had sought his extradition from Canada in 2022, linking him to the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab.
The Khalistan movement, advocating for an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan, has supporters worldwide, including in India and the global Sikh diaspora. The movement has been a source of tension between India and countries with significant Sikh populations.
Trudeau’s allegations created a diplomatic challenge for the Biden administration, which aims to strengthen ties with both Canada and India. Balancing these relationships while upholding a values-based foreign policy is a delicate task.
Both Canada and the United States had been working to deepen their ties with India, particularly in the face of China’s growing influence. However, the Nijjar case has strained these efforts.
The G-20 summit highlighted tensions, with Trudeau being denied a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed the Khalistan issue on the sidelines of the summit.
Canada and India have suspended trade talks, and Western nations expressed their concerns while emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation.
The presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada has long been a contentious issue in India-Canada relations.
Overall, Trudeau’s allegations have sparked a significant diplomatic challenge and are likely to have lasting implications for Canada-India relations.
India and Canada Relations Timeline
The two countries have had had diplomatic relations for many decades, and their relationship has evolved over time. Here is a timeline highlighting some key events and milestones in the diplomatic relations between India and Canada up until my last knowledge update in September 2021:
1947: India gains independence from British colonial rule, becoming a sovereign nation.
1947: Canada recognizes India’s independence and establishes diplomatic relations.
1955: Canada opens its first diplomatic mission in India.
1971: Canada provides humanitarian assistance to India during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
1974: India conducts its first nuclear test, known as “Smiling Buddha,” which leads to concerns and criticism from Canada and other nations.
1993: Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney visits India, leading to increased economic and trade ties between the two countries.
2000: The two countries establish the Canada-India Foundation to promote bilateral relations and understanding between the two countries.
2005: The two countries sign a nuclear cooperation agreement, allowing Canadian companies to participate in India’s civil nuclear energy program.
2012: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visits India, and the two countries announce plans to expand trade and investment relations.
2015: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Canada, and both countries agree to deepen economic and energy cooperation.
2018: Trade relations face challenges as disputes arise over agricultural tariffs and concerns about the treatment of Sikh activists in Canada.
2019: Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits India to improve economic ties and promote people-to-people connections.
2021: Canada expresses concern over the farmers’ protests in India and issues travel advisories regarding the COVID-19 situation in India.
