Canada accuses Indian government agents of being involved in serious criminal activity, a claim India rejects.
How has Canada responded?
What are the Main Reasons Behind the Recent Breakdown in India-Canada Relations? India and Canada have both removed six of the other speakers from their countries as tensions over the killing of a Seik separatist in Canada last year intensified NJ Bua is the vice president of research and strategy at the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada. What are the Main Reasons Behind the Recent Breakdown in India-Canada Relations?
We know relations between the countries haven’t been positive most of the time, but what is behind this latest move between India and Canada?
The prime minister of Canada noted in no doubtful terms that Canada believes Indian diplomats involved have been in illegal activities and actions of violence here on Canadian soil because of public protection management issues.”They had to publicly make these comments, which have led to this enormous disruption in the bilateral relationship.” Political Insights and Analysis.
What was said by India?
India: India has denied these claims, marking them “absurd” and asserting that they are part of a calculated approach to defame India for political gain.
India has rejected Canada’s allegations of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeling them as “absurd” and politically motivated.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs articulated that the allegations are part of a “calculated strategy to defame India for political gain” amid Canadian domestic challenges.
India expressed a lack of trust in the present Canadian government’s capacity to ensure the safety of Indian delegates and officers, leading to the withdrawal of its High Commissioner from Canada.
In response to Canada’s actions, India removed six Canadian diplomats, including the interim high commissioner, and gave them a deadline to leave the country.
The Indian government blamed Canada for supplying a platform for fierce extremists and terrorists, which it claims endangers the safety of Indian ambassadors and community leaders in Canada.
India’s foreign ministry underscored that it reserves the freedom to take further steps against Canada if the concern escalates, underscoring ongoing concerns over Sikh separatism in Canada.
The diplomatic row has resulted in both nations suspending visa services for each other’s citizens, further pushing bilateral ties.
India has urged Western nations, including Canada, to take action against Khalistani activists residing in their territories, viewing them as a notable threat to its national security.
How did Canada-India relations get to this stage?
The deterioration of India-Canada relations has reached a critical time, mainly due to escalating pressures surrounding the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following allegations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s murder, both nations deported diplomats and suspended diplomatic services.
India’s worries about its national security and Canada’s alleged tolerance of Sikh extremism have exacerbated this long-standing apprehension. The recent diplomatic row underscores the intricacies and fragility of their bilateral ties, making recovery challenging amidst ongoing political maneuvering.
