Diplomatic Dissent: Canada-India Rift and Its Effect on Indian Students

On a seemingly ordinary evening, political tensions between India and Canada took a sharp turn, catching everyone off guard.

Recently, concerning the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada and India have recalled their respective ambassadors. Canada's investigation identified Indian diplomats as the ‘persons of interest’ related to violent activities and threats against Canadian citizens. However, it’s important to note that no concrete evidence has been presented so far.

In response, India expelled Canada’s acting high commissioner along with five other diplomats, citing a lack of faith in the Canadian government’s ability to ensure their safety.

The following article discusses the escalating tensions between India and Canada, the historical roots of the Khalistan movement, and the impact of the rift on the Indian diaspora in Canada, especially students.

Timeline of Escalating Canada-India Diplomatic Tensions:

At large, India and Canada shared peaceful diplomatic ties until 2023. A well-known Sikh leader named Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated on June 18 in Surrey, British Columbia, outside of a gurudwara.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was declared a terrorist by the Indian government, citing his linkage to the pro-Khalistan movement, which demands an independent Sikh State in India.

The Canadian government has linked the murder to Indian agents, citing credible intelligence in the House of Commons debate on September 18.

India denied all claims, citing them as “absurd” and a part of vote-bank politics

Historical roots of the Khalistan Movement and its impact on Canada-India relations:

The Khalistan movement advocates for an Independent Sikh State in India. The movement originated during the Indian partition in 1947. In the early 1940s, Sikhs began to demand greater political autonomy and representation, which gained momentum around the time of India's independence. The partition created deep-seated grievances among Sikhs, particularly in Punjab, where communal violence left a significant mark on the community.

During the 1970s and 1980s, as the movement gathered strength, it was confronted by the Indian Government. However, a pivotal moment occurred in June 1984, when the Indian military raided the Golden Temple, a sacred Sikh site. The operation was named Operation Blue Star and was launched to remove armed militants led to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Sikh community was deeply angered by the act of violence, especially following the widespread anti-Sikh riots that erupted later that year. These riots were triggered by the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguard.

The following year, the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people, remains the deadliest terrorist act in Canadian history and has had a long-lasting impact on Canada-India relations. The incident, linked to Sikh extremists, led to deep mistrust and misunderstandings between the two nations.

The historical grievances stemming from these events have significantly influenced Canada-India relations.

The Indian-Canadian relationship is characterized by shared democratic values, economic ties, and largest Indian population diaspora globally. The Indian diaspora in Canada comprises of approximately 1.3 million residents, which accounts for about 2% of the Canadian population. Among the total Indian diaspora, the Sikh population represents a significant portion and holds significant political sway within Canada. In 2021, there were eighteen Sikh Members of Parliament in Canada. The current ruling party in Canada, the liberals, has also been able to hold majority with the support of New Democratic Party (NDP), a Centre-left political party led by Jagmeet Singh, the first Sikh to lead a major Canadian political party.

However, the NDA withdrew its support in September 2024 citing the inability of Trudeau government to mitigate pressing issues such as high grocery prices.

Today, the Trudeau government is left without any support and is expected to lose in the event of a premature reelection.

The political dependence has larger ramifications on Canada-India relations. An illustrative example  of these ramifications is the 2017 controversy surrounding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's attendance at a Sikh parade in Canada where posters of Bhindranwale, a controversial figure linked to the Khalistan movement, were displayed. The appearance caused backlash from the Indian government.

Another significant aspect is the ongoing issue of Sikh separatism in Punjab, with some Sikh groups in Canada advocating for an independent Khalistan State.

The substantial Sikh Diaspora in Canada has leveraged its political and demographic influence over the Canadian government to elevate political pressure on India.

In recent years, these tensions have escalated further, particularly following the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023. Trudeau's allegations connecting Indian agents to his death ignited a diplomatic crisis, which has led to mutual expulsions of diplomats and heightened scrutiny of Sikh activism in Canada.

The Impact of the Rift on the Indian diaspora in Canada:

The ongoing diplomatic crisis has heightened safety concerns for the Indian diaspora, especially among people of Indian origin, who are at a greater risk of harassment and discrimination. Reports indicate that individuals who openly support India are subjected to harassment and discrimination as anti-India sentiment surges in certain communities.

This has created an ecosystem of terror and uncertainty, especially among Indian students. The uncertainty surrounding diplomatic relations has made it difficult for students to plan their futures confidently. Students preparing to study abroad are expressing concerns about the impact of diplomatic tensions on their educational investments, job prospects, and overall safety in Canada.

The number of Indian students receiving study permits in Canada has also declined from 186,970 the previous year to only 137,445 Indian students receiving permits from January to August 2024. The numbers indicate a shift in the international student enrollment trends resulting from ongoing diplomatic tensions. This decline in Indian student enrollment is concerning for both countries. The decline negatively impacts Canadian universities, as Indian students contribute significantly to the economy through tuition fees and other expenses. Additionally, the decrease in Indian students studying in Canada also impacts cultural exchange and diversity on Canadian campuses.

In conclusion, it is imperative for both India and Canada to rebuild their economic and political ties for economic, cultural, and educational benefits.