Actually, in an interesting turn of events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently touched the sensitive issue of Khalistani supporters in Canada – one of the friction points existing between the two countries for years. Speaking at a Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Trudeau openly acknowledged that some Khalistani sympathizers exist within Canada but clarified that they do not represent the entire Sikh community. This rare admission seems to vindicate India’s reasons for why it has been voicing its concerns regarding the presence of Khalistani separatists in Canada and has set fire to an already smoldering debate between the two nations.
Speaking to the Indian diaspora, Trudeau was quick to clarify that just as those Khalistani supporters don’t represent all Sikhs, not all Canadian Hindus support the Indian government or Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies. His words sounded more like assuaging the religious or political turbulence within Canada, one of the most multicultural countries in the world. While saying this, he could be referring to sending a message of unity and peace, but it’s hard to notice the biggest diplomatic storm brewing below these remarks.
Strained diplomatic relations over accusations
The public recognition comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi have touched new highs as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of possibly being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an influential Khalistani activist, who was shot dead on Canadian soil in September last year. India dismissed the claim describing it as “absurd” and “baseless,” further raising the temperature in the two countries. Retorting to this, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, asked them to leave before mid-October, and recalled its High Commissioner from Ottawa. It is one of India’s strongest responses yet to such accusations, and by making this move, it has demonstrated how seriously it takes the issue.
Adding to the mystery was the recent appointment of Sanjay Kumar Verma, High Commissioner of India, by Trudeau as a “person of interest” in another separate investigation made clear which. A “person of interest” is generally a suspect who has yet to be arrested, but the term is loaded and carries great weight in diplomatic circles. This seems to be an ongoing development in how the Canadian government deals with Indian representatives, though to date there is still no concrete evidence that outright points to India as the perpetrator of Nijjar’s killing, which Trudeau himself reportedly admitted while testifying in a recent Ottawa hearing. That only strengthens India’s contention and raises new questions about how the Canadian government handled the whole affair.
More Read
Clashes in Brampton: Khalistan Protestors and Hindu Temple Incident
Another disturbing incident that happened is the protest by Khalistani supporters outside a Hindu temple in Brampton recently that turned out to be very violent. Clashes were reportedly seen between the protestors and those who attended the consular event held by Indian officials in the place. Some of them, carrying sticks and holding banners that urged the recognition of Khalistan, broke the event. The people who were frightened into their fears by the prevalence of some tension among Hindus in that place are reportedly a number of them. The attack sent strong condemnations throughout the political spectrum in Canada, with Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre issuing statements. Trudeau reminded Canadians that everyone has the right to worship freely and safely and condemned the violence that had erupted.
However, the MEA expressed its grievances to the Trudeau administration and sought measures for their safety and security along with religious places of Indian citizens in Canada. The MEA formally expressed its “deep concern” over the growing incidents and called upon Canada to take necessary measures against such extremist activities. This incident, therefore, is a pointer to a broader issue of community tensions brewing within Canada that have worsened due to the diplomatic tussle.
Trudeau’s Stance: Balancing the Domestic and Diplomatic Pressures?
Trudeau’s recent comments on Khalistani activists and his apparent attempt to draw a boundary between them and the general Sikh community may have been a push to find an accommodation for the domestic tensions simmering within. However, it raises several questions about his willingness to find an actual resolution to the matters concerning India. Others say he is on a tightrope and mustn’t get too close to offending India, an important player in international diplomacy while speaking out for free expression and religious freedoms in Canada. That balance remains unsustainable, and each new incident—a mere protest at a temple, or fresh accusations—is just one more reason this balancing act makes him fall harder.
Personally, I believe that Trudeau’s strategy may not be helpful as the problem is deep and has been within years of unaddressed security concerns regarding Khalistani separatists. Though accepting the existence of Khalistani supporters was a very forward move on his part, this might not be enough to bring ease to the tension between New Delhi and him. Without further action or measures, the Indian government may well continue to think that these statements by Trudeau are mere words.
Therefore, Canada and India do not look forward to any positive time in their diplomatic relationship. What Trudeau says at the Diwali celebration may read more than well-meaning but is certainly not sufficient to repair relations in its current state. It is an ongoing saga with a finale of diplomatic expulsions, violent protests, and delicate accusations, so it marks a fine line on which Trudeau will tread between supporting his citizens’ right to free expression and an attack on foreign security concerns. It is a tricky situation, and the future of Canada-India relations may well depend on the ability of both governments to find common ground amidst deep-seated issues.
Minutes by M31GlobalNews
