Historic India-Canada Relations Strained to All-Time Low in Ongoing Dispute
In a dramatic turn of events, India has temporarily suspended visa issuance to Canadian citizens as tensions soar over the recent killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. The move comes as both nations grapple with a diplomatic dispute fueled by allegations surrounding the murder.
India's decision to halt visa services to Canadians is attributed to "security threats" that have disrupted the functioning of Indian missions in Canada. This development follows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion that India might have played a role in the killing that occurred on June 18th.
However, Prime Minister Trudeau clarified that his intention was not to provoke India with the allegation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations with India while upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of Canadians.
These allegations have been vehemently denied by India, which has described them as "absurd." The ongoing tensions have strained the historically close ties between the two countries, who are key trade partners, security allies, and have a significant Indian diaspora in Canada.
India's suspension of visa services also extends to Canadians in third countries. The foreign affairs ministry in Delhi cited threats made to their high commission and consulates in Canada, leading to a temporary inability to process visa applications.
A spokesperson from the ministry stated that India seeks parity in rank and diplomatic strength between the two countries' diplomatic missions. This request is in response to what India perceives as Canadian interference in its internal affairs.
Canada, in response, announced a reduction in its personnel in India due to some diplomats receiving threats on social media. The safety of Canadian diplomats in the current heightened environment was cited as the reason behind this move. Nevertheless, Canada's visa services in India remain operational.
The relationship between India and Canada is complex and multifaceted. Canada boasts a significant Indian population, particularly Sikhs, making up 3.7% of its population according to the 2021 census. Furthermore, India sends a substantial number of international students to Canada, constituting 40% of total overseas students in 2022.
The diplomatic rift became public when Canada linked India to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen shot dead by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. Nijjar had been designated a terrorist by India in 2020.
India swiftly responded to these allegations, accusing Canada of attempting to divert attention from Khalistani terrorists and extremists given shelter in the country. The Indian government has consistently reacted strongly to demands by Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau faced questions about the evidence linking India to the murder. While he did not provide further details, he emphasized the gravity of the allegations and called for Indian officials to cooperate with the investigation.
The Indian foreign ministry, in response, stated that Canada has not shared specific information about Nijjar's murder. They expressed readiness to examine any specific information provided by Canada but stressed that no such details had been received to date.
The Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate Sikh homeland, saw its peak in India during the 1980s. While it has lost momentum in India, it remains popular among some sections of the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK.
