The once-harmonious relationship between India and Canada has taken a sharp downturn in recent months, becoming a focal point of global attention. The escalating tensions stem from a series of events, including the murder of a prominent Sikh leader, accusations of Indian involvement, and the rising influence of the Khalistan movement in Canada.
The catalyst for this diplomatic crisis was the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the Sikh separatist movement, who was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2022. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement to Parliament in September 2023, claimed to possess “credible allegations” suggesting India’s involvement in Nijjar’s death. India vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them “absurd” and “motivated,” and countered by accusing Canada of harboring extremist and anti-India elements within its borders.
While Trudeau admitted that his government had not shared concrete evidence with India, he cited intelligence regarding Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil. This has further fueled tensions, with India demanding evidence and expressing concerns about Canada’s handling of the situation.
The Khalistan movement, which advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan within India, has long been a source of friction between the two countries. The movement, active since the 1980s, saw a period of violent insurgency in India that resulted in thousands of deaths. Nijjar, himself a key figure in the movement, was designated a terrorist by Indian authorities.
India has accused Canada of allowing Khalistan supporters to operate freely, engaging in activities such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and gun-running, while using funds raised through Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) for nefarious purposes. Indian officials have suggested that Canada’s current stance on the Khalistan movement might be a strategic move to garner support from the influential Sikh community in Canada.
The diplomatic rift has placed Prime Minister Trudeau in a precarious political position. Facing declining approval ratings and the withdrawal of support from the New Democratic Party, he is navigating a politically sensitive issue with a crucial election looming in October 2025. Trudeau’s announcement that he will lead his party into the next election, despite calls from within his own party for him to step down, highlights the complexities of this situation.
The events surrounding the India-Canada relationship have far-reaching implications for both countries. The unresolved accusations, the escalating tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement, and the potential for further diplomatic fallout create a complex landscape for bilateral relations. The outcome of this crisis will likely impact future cooperation between the two nations on key issues such as trade, immigration, and security.