Washington, D.C. – In an unexpected turn of events, India’s diplomatic relations with Canada have taken a sharp downturn, following the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat in response to allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. PM Trudeau had accused India of involvement in the assassination of a radical Sikh separatist on Canadian soil, igniting a simmering dispute between the otherwise amicable nations.
India swiftly responded by expelling the Canadian diplomat in question, issuing a statement asserting concerns about Canadian diplomats’ alleged interference in India’s internal affairs and their participation in activities deemed detrimental to India’s interests. The diplomat has been given five days to leave India.
Despite the escalating tensions, Canada emphasized that its intent is not to provoke India but to address the issue appropriately. PM Trudeau conveyed, “The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that; we are not looking to provoke or escalate.”
Intriguingly, recent developments suggest that the United States played a significant role in gathering intelligence that led Canadian authorities to suspect Indian involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia earlier this year. A senior Canadian government source revealed close collaboration with the U.S., including their involvement in the public disclosure of the allegations. The evidence held by Canada will be shared in due course.
While India sought to push back against Canada, responses from other world capitals have been measured and more supportive of Ottawa than New Delhi might have anticipated. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly affirmed his government’s support for Canada’s investigation into India’s potential role in Nijjar’s murder, emphasizing the importance of allowing Canadian authorities to conduct their inquiry without premature speculation.
In Australia, a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Wong expressed deep concern about the allegations and noted ongoing investigations into the matter. Australia, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group along with the U.S., UK, Canada, and New Zealand, is closely engaged with its partners regarding developments in this diplomatic standoff.
With the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) currently underway in New York, observers suggest that the India-Canada crisis could take center stage. Prime Minister Trudeau is scheduled to address the session later this week, potentially reiterating his allegations against India. UNGA meetings also provide an opportunity for behind-the-scenes discussions to alleviate tensions.
Some experts believe that the rift between Canada and India is more rooted in Canada’s domestic politics than international affairs. Justin Trudeau’s declining approval ratings and the rise in popularity of opposition leader Pierre Poilievre may be influencing these developments. Canada’s influential Punjabi Sikh community, which holds sway in electoral politics, could be a key factor in these diplomatic maneuvers.
Tensions between India and Canada have been simmering due to the unsolved assassination and Indian dissatisfaction with Canada’s handling of Sikh separatists. Notably, Canada recently suspended negotiations for a free-trade agreement with India, further straining bilateral relations.
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari weighed in on the issue, asserting that India’s actions on the international stage have been laid bare. He urged the international community, particularly the West, to acknowledge India’s alleged transgressions. Bhutto-Zardari contended that India’s actions not only violate Canadian sovereignty but also international law and norms.