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.

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 3rd 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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