Recent events involving Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a key figure in the Khalistan movement advocating for the creation of an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India, have caused an uproar in international relations. Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh Gurdwara president, was tragically slain in a premeditated attack. The incident occurred on June 18, 2023, in front of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
The accident has raised various questions about whether India should have taken the Canadian government into confidence if the Khalistan movement and its operatives threatened India. Canada-India relations have been smooth for decades, but Modi’s fascist regime mobilized its intelligence agency RAW without taking the Canadian government on board.
The assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia compromises Canada and India’s historical security and economic ties. The government is investigating “credible allegations” that Indian agents murdered Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Toronto in June, according to Justin Trudeau. India categorically denied the allegations. The following steps are uncertain after diplomatic representatives from both countries were evacuated. The situation has worsened despite the guidance from the G20 meeting in Delhi. Despite the Khalistan dispute, cordial relations have persisted between the two countries.
India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, stated that Canada’s substantial Sikh minority engages in “vote bank coercion.” Analysts say Trudeau’s “divisive” remarks about Khalistan have harmed relations between India and Canada. The United States and the United Kingdom responded with terror. Experts believe Western nations are concerned about Modi’s political orientation despite viewing India as a counterweight to China.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly accused India of assassinating Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, indicating that Indian operatives were involved. Due to the charges, the Indian ambassador to Canada, Pavan Kumar Rai, has been removed due to allegations. On “absurd” grounds, India removed a renowned Canadian ambassador. Concerns have been expressed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia over the assertions. The authoritarian inclinations and contempt for diplomatic standards of the Indian administration are similar to those of Israel.
India, being a broad and diversified democracy, has various internal challenges, one of which is the separatist movement, which has drawn the attention of the Indian government and justified its participation in the deaths. This strengthens the notion that India’s actions contribute to its poor human rights record and interference in the internal affairs of its neighbors, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is still being determined how much Western nations can assist India as a strategic partner in containing China’s rise in light of its erratic and antagonistic behavior in the region. The episode casts doubt on India’s internal and international stature as a secular democracy.
Tensions between the two countries have been high since the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. This caused complications for the allies of both countries, who had planned to utilize India as a regional counterbalance to China. There may be substantial political, economic, and other ramifications due to the Indian government’s vehement denials and fast retaliatory moves against Canada. Ottawa must remain steadfast and choose long-term democratic values above short-term economic gains. Due to the dispute, ties between India and its Five Eyes and other allies may deteriorate, especially if the US shows increasing support for Ottawa.
The history of Canada and the presence of the Sikh community in Canadian politics make maintaining diplomatic connections with India, the nation with the most significant Sikh diaspora, challenging. Minority groups in India, such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and others, are worried about the rise of Hindu nationalism under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Because Canadians of Indian heritage define Canada’s unique connection with India, a difficult balance must be struck between protecting democratic values and recognizing this bond. When discussing ties with India, the different viewpoints and experiences of Canada’s Indian diaspora must be considered.
The whole event also portrays that the West has made a mistake in choosing India as a strategic partner. The pluralist essence and democratic values are in great danger in India as Hindu-centric policies have existed since the BJP came into power. The marginalization of minorities will lead India into a catastrophe because the society cannot endure cruelty for long.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.