India Canada Diplomatic Row

INDIA CANADA DIPLOMATIC ROW

The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has sharply deteriorated, leading to both nations expelling six diplomats each.

This escalation follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations connecting Indian government agents to the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

KEY EVENTS & STAKEHOLDERS

• Trudeau’s Allegations (September 2023):
  • In a speech to the Canadian Parliament, Trudeau claimed his government was “actively pursuing credible allegations” of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s murder on Canadian soil.
  • India responded, calling these claims “absurd and motivated,” and accused Canada of diverting attention from “Khalistani terrorists” residing there.
• Hardeep Singh Nijjar:
  • Nijjar was a Canadian citizen and a designated terrorist in India, known for his support of the Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate Sikh state.
  • He was killed in June 2023, prompting allegations and investigations.
• Expulsions of Diplomats:
  • Following Trudeau’s allegations, Canada expelled a “top Indian diplomat,” prompting India to summon Canadian envoy Cameron MacKay and announce the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in response.
• Request for Evidence:
  • India has repeatedly sought evidence from Canada to support claims of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s death.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicated a willingness to investigate if credible evidence was provided.
  • Canada maintains it has shared evidence linking Indian agents to the incident.

POLITICAL CONTEXT

• Upcoming Canadian Elections (2025):
  • Trudeau’s handling of the situation appears influenced by the approaching elections, where maintaining support from the Sikh community is crucial.
  • Canada has the second-largest Sikh population globally, making up about 2% of its population.
• Jagmeet Singh’s Influence:
  • The leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Jagmeet Singh, who is viewed as sympathetic to Khalistani causes, recently withdrew support from Trudeau’s minority government, further complicating the political landscape.

POLITICAL SITUATION IN CANADA

• Political Landscape in Canada:
  • The current composition of the Canadian House of Commons includes:
    • Liberal Party: 154 seats
    • Conservative Party: 119 seats
    • New Democratic Party (NDP): 24 seats
    • Bloc Québécois: 32 seats
• Justin Trudeau, the current PM of canada has formed a coalition government in Canada.
• One of the supporting Parties is the New Democratic Party of Jagmeet Dhaliwal. (said to be a Khalistani sympathiser by the GoI)

INDIA CANADA FACTSHEET

FACTORS INFLUENCING CANADA’S FOREIGN POLICY

According to many diplomatic experts, Canada’s Foreign Policy is hostage to the immigrants in Canada. (Canada is home to many immigrants from all across the world)

• The Russian & Ukrainian immigrants shape Canada’s Russia Policy.
• Hong Kong & Taiwan immigrants shape Canada’s China Policy.
• The Jewish immigrants shape Canada’s Israel Policy.
• Srilankan immigrants shape Canada’s SL Policy. (During civil war)
• Afghan immigrants shape Canada’s Afghanistan Policy.
• Khalistan immigrants have hijacked Canada’s India Policy now. (out of 20 lakh Indian diaspora in Canada, 8 lakh are sikhs; out of which only 1% are Pro-Khalistan. (controlling 12-15 Gurudwaras)

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