India-Canada diplomatic row: Chain of Events
Background
- Killing of KTF Chief: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a wanted Khalistani extremist with a Rs 10 lakh bounty from India, was killed in Surrey in June 2023.
G20 Summit Discussions
- At the G20 Summit, PM Trudeau raised concerns about foreign interference in Nijjar’s murder, while PM Modi highlighted anti-India activities in Canada.
Parliamentary Statement by PM Trudeau
- On September 18, Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing, which India denied. This led to reciprocal diplomat expulsions.
Diplomatic Escalation
- India’s Response: India withdrew diplomats and expelled six Canadian officials due to security concerns and Canada’s designation of Indian diplomats as ‘persons of interest.’
- Long-standing Tensions: India has criticized Canada’s perceived leniency toward Khalistani separatists and Trudeau’s stance on issues like the farmer protests.
Canada’s Position and Allegations
- Canada claims it has evidence linking India to Nijjar’s murder. The RCMP accused Indian agents of working with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target dissidents in Canada.
Support from Five Eyes Alliance:
- The K. joins the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, all members of the Five Eyes alliance has expressed full confidence in Canada’s judicial process amid allegations of Indian diplomatic involvement in the 2023 killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar
India-Canada Relations
Background
- India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947, elevated to a strategic partnership during PM Modi’s 2015 visit.
Areas of Cooperation:
Commercial Relations
- India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner in 2022-23, with exports to Canada at USD 4.10 billion and imports at USD 4.05 billion.
- CEPA and EPTA negotiations began in 2022 but paused in 2023 due to diplomatic tensions over Nijjar’s killing.
Nuclear Cooperation
- Canada aided India’s nuclear program from 1956 until relations soured post-1974’s Smiling Buddha test.
- Cooperation resumed with a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in 2010.
People-to-People Connections
- Canada hosts 1.6 million Indian-origin people (4% of the population), including 22 Members of Parliament.
Challenges
- Khalistani Separatist Groups: Canada is seen as a safe haven for these groups, which India views as political pandering.
- Inaction Against Anti-India Activities: Canada’s lack of action on issues like a 2023 parade celebrating Indira Gandhi’s assassination has strained relations.
- Other Issues: Attacks on Indian-origin individuals and Canadian criticism of India’s internal affairs, including the farmer protests, add to the friction.
Way forward for the India-Canada diplomatic row:
- Diplomatic Talks: Both countries should engage in high-level discussions to de-escalate tensions and clarify mutual concerns.
- Third-Party Mediation: Involvement from neutral parties like Five Eyes alliance could help facilitate dialogue and promote understanding.
- Judicial Cooperation: India could consider cooperating with Canada on the Nijjar investigation to ensure due process and transparency.
- Security Protocol Review: Both nations could revise protocols for handling separatist activities and extremism to reduce friction.
- Public Communication: Clear and transparent updates can help counter misinformation and ease tensions within diaspora communities.
- Long-term Strategy: Establishing a framework to address recurring issues in India-Canada relations, such as diaspora politics, could foster a more stable partnership.
