Fractured Relations: What’s Next for India and Canada?

 The death of a Sikh separatist on Canadian land has escalated tensions between India and Canada, leading to the expulsion of their top diplomats, a new low in their traditionally friendly relationship. Although there have been tense arguments in the past, none have escalated to this degree of direct conflict.

Following PM Justin Trudeau's assertion that Canadian police were looking into claims of Indian agents' and the Indian government's direct participation in the June 2023 killing, the tit-for-tat expulsions took place.

The greatest Sikh diaspora outside of the Indian state of Punjab is found in Canada, where there are about 770,000 Sikhs. Relations between the two nations are still strained by Sikh separatism, which has its roots in a violent rebellion that took place in India in the 1980s and early 1990s. Delhi has harshly criticized Canada for not doing more to stop the pro-Khalistan agitation inside its borders. Canada claims that India has been keeping an eye on local Khalistani groups for many years.

The political fallout between Canada and India can also teach us about shifting power dynamics and state response. Modern governments' responses, particularly those like India, who are conscious of their rising international prominence, show a move toward a more assertive foreign policy that puts national integrity ahead of customary and expected diplomatic etiquette.

India has changed Canada's story in the majority of ways now. Canada's economy is ranked ninth in the world, whereas India's is ranked fifth. India is moving fast to wards 3^rd largest economy.  In 2022, India sent US$5.37 billion worth of commodities to Canada, and Canada sent US$4.32 billion in return. With almost 600,000 Indian students enrolled in Canadian universities, India is the country's top source of international students.

This relationship is further complicated by the existence of about 1.4 million Indian Canadians, who form a strong diaspora. The current diplomatic situation exposes an inequity that Canada appears unwilling to admit, despite these positive data. The paradigm guiding India-Canada relations has changed dramatically; the east-west or "developed-underdeveloped" narratives that were once prevalent are now challenged by India's increasing strength and influence.

This might be the real problem for Canada, as it is indigestible for them to see India’s progress. From time to time India gives befitting replies to Canada and other nations whenever India’s foreign policy and diplomacy are challenged. India has changed a lot and now is not ready to walk defensively. This has shattered or shocked Canada. How India can behave like this?

To preserve its own authority, Canada has aided anti-Indian groups. This act will be resented by Canada.

Jai Hind!

Harsh Pargat

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