The diplomatic ties between India and Canada have reached a new low as both countries engage in a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats. The tensions have escalated due to allegations from Canada linking Indian diplomats to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh extremist who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia. This diplomatic fallout has further strained the already frosty relations between the two nations, with both sides accusing each other of fostering extremism and violence.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the recent diplomatic rift, focusing on the role of the Khalistani movement, which has been a key point of contention in the India-Canada relationship.

Canada Expels Indian Diplomats Over Khalistani Allegations

In a significant move, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, accusing them of involvement in a campaign of violence linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian authorities claim to have collected evidence implicating these diplomats in the murder, which took place in June 2023. Nijjar, who had immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a citizen in 2015, was an outspoken advocate for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state carved out of India.

The Khalistani movement has long been a point of contention between Canada and India, with Indian authorities accusing Canada of harboring separatist elements that pose a threat to Indian sovereignty. The expulsion of diplomats marks a severe escalation in tensions, with Canada directly accusing India of being involved in Nijjar’s assassination.

India Responds by Expelling Canadian Diplomats Over Khalistani Links

In a swift and retaliatory action, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including high-ranking officials such as Stewart Ross Wheeler, the Acting High Commissioner. India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned Canada’s actions, stating that the accusations linking Indian diplomats to the Khalistani leader’s killing were “ludicrous” and lacked any credibility.

India has long maintained that Canada’s support for Khalistani separatists, whether overt or indirect, undermines peace and stability in India. Indian authorities have accused Canada of turning a blind eye to Khalistani extremism, which they believe fuels violence and division in India. The expulsion of Canadian diplomats was a clear message from India that it would not tolerate any further interference or accusations from Canada related to the Khalistani issue.

Khalistani Movement: A Major Factor in India-Canada Relations

The Khalistani movement has been a thorn in the side of India-Canada relations for decades. Many supporters of the Khalistan cause have found refuge in Canada, where they continue to advocate for the creation of a separate Sikh state. While Canada officially opposes violent extremism, Indian officials have repeatedly criticized Canada for allowing Khalistani groups to operate freely within its borders.

The killing of Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani figure, has further strained ties between the two countries. Nijjar was wanted in India on charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder, and his assassination has only heightened suspicions between Canada and India regarding the role of Khalistani sympathizers in both countries.

Trudeau’s Stance on India and the Khalistani Issue

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been at the center of the diplomatic rift, with India accusing him of harboring a Khalistani sympathizer vote bank. Trudeau’s previous statements and actions have only deepened the divide, with India accusing him of interfering in Indian internal matters. In 2018, during a visit to India, Trudeau faced considerable backlash after it was revealed that his cabinet included individuals with links to the Khalistani movement.

India has expressed concern over Trudeau’s reluctance to condemn Khalistani activities in Canada. The Indian government believes that by allowing Khalistani separatists to operate in Canada, Trudeau’s administration is undermining India’s territorial integrity and promoting extremism.

India’s Concerns Over Canada’s Support for Khalistani Separatism

India has long viewed Canada as a safe haven for Khalistani separatists and extremists. Indian officials argue that Canada’s liberal stance on free speech has enabled Khalistani elements to openly promote their agenda, including through protests and advocacy in major Canadian cities. India believes that Canada’s failure to clamp down on these activities emboldens Khalistani extremists, who continue to push for the division of India.

The Indian government has been particularly vocal in its concerns about Canada’s inaction against groups advocating for Khalistan. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Ottawa to take a stronger stance against separatism, but Canada has maintained that it will uphold its citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and political expression.

Diplomatic Fallout: India Withdraws Envoys Over Khalistani Fears

In the wake of the diplomatic spat, India has withdrawn its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and other targeted diplomats. Indian officials have cited security concerns, stating that they no longer have faith in the Canadian government’s ability to protect their diplomats. India has accused the Trudeau government of allowing an atmosphere of extremism and violence to flourish, putting its representatives at risk.

The Indian government has also reserved the right to take further action if Canada continues to support Khalistani elements. This ongoing diplomatic row threatens to further deteriorate relations between the two nations, which have already been strained by trade disputes and other political disagreements.

Canada’s Diplomatic Tensions With India: What’s Next?

The diplomatic rift between India and Canada over the Khalistani issue raises several critical questions about the future of their relationship. Both countries have historically enjoyed strong ties, particularly in trade and cultural exchanges, but the Khalistani movement has become a significant obstacle to progress.

While Canada insists that it opposes violent extremism, India remains unconvinced, accusing Canada of not doing enough to curb Khalistani activities. The latest round of diplomat expulsions is a reflection of how deeply the Khalistani issue has affected bilateral relations.

Conclusion: India and Canada Face Growing Strain Over Khalistani Separatism

The recent diplomatic expulsion of diplomats by both India and Canada signals a deepening rift between the two nations, driven largely by the issue of Khalistani separatism. As the two countries continue to trade accusations and counter-accusations, the Khalistani movement remains a divisive factor in their relations.

For India, the presence of Khalistani sympathizers in Canada represents a significant threat to national security and unity. For Canada, the situation is more complex, as the government tries to balance free speech and the rights of its citizens with maintaining strong international relations.

The question now is whether India and Canada can find common ground to address the issue of Khalistani separatism, or if the tensions will continue to escalate. As the two countries navigate this complicated diplomatic landscape, the Khalistani issue will likely remain a focal point in their interactions for the foreseeable future.