India-Canada Diplomatic Standoff: Allegations and Sikh Separatism.

The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has deteriorated significantly in recent months, following accusations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In September 2023, Trudeau alleged that India was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, linking Indian government agents to his murder. This claim set off a diplomatic firestorm between the two nations, sparking tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats and severe restrictions on visa processing for Canadians visiting India.

India responded by strongly denying the allegations, calling them unfounded and accusing Canada of providing a haven for Sikh separatist groups, including those advocating for the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region. This has been a long-standing point of contention between the two countries, as India views such groups as fostering terrorism and extremism, while Canada has been more lenient in permitting their activities, citing freedom of expression and assembly.

The tension peaked during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023, where interactions between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were visibly strained. Modi raised concerns about anti-India activities taking place in Canada, particularly among Sikh separatist groups. Shortly after the summit, Trudeau announced that Canadian intelligence was pursuing credible leads about India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, exacerbating the diplomatic rift.

As the diplomatic crisis unfolded, both nations imposed restrictions on each other’s diplomats. In October 2023, India forced Canada to recall two-thirds of its diplomats stationed in the country by stripping them of diplomatic immunity. Canada decried the move but sought to resolve the issue through further private conversations.

The strained relationship has impacted more than just diplomacy. Visa services for Canadians in India were suspended, complicating travel for Indian Canadians, particularly around the wedding season—a peak travel period. The economic and trade relationship between the two countries has also suffered, with negotiations on a free trade agreement being paused indefinitely in September 2023.

Beyond the Nijjar incident, a larger narrative of foreign interference has emerged. Canada had previously called out India for being among the countries allegedly engaging in political meddling on Canadian soil. This follows a broader concern in Canadian politics about the role of foreign actors in influencing elections and civic life, an issue that India has firmly denied.

Despite these tensions, both countries still have vested interests in maintaining a working relationship. Canada is home to a large Indian diaspora, and economic ties between the two countries, including trade in pharmaceuticals, technology, and education, remain significant. However, the long-standing friction over Sikh separatism, and now the serious accusations regarding Nijjar’s death, have pushed the bilateral relationship to one of its lowest points in decades.

As of now, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, but the situation remains fragile. Canada seeks a thorough investigation into Nijjar’s murder, while India insists on its non-involvement and is keen on addressing the support that Sikh separatist movements receive in Canada. This diplomatic row may continue to shape India-Canada relations for the foreseeable future, with potential impacts on both nations’ geopolitical standing and international alliances.