The tensions between India and Canada have been steadily rising, primarily triggered by Canada’s assertion last month that India might have been involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.
An Indian foreign ministry official refrained from providing any official comment on the matter when approached by the BBC. However, India has been pushing for diplomatic parity with Canada since the crisis began, as Canada maintains a larger diplomatic presence in Delhi compared to India’s presence in Ottawa.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Tuesday that he has no intention of escalating the ongoing tension with India. He emphasized Canada’s commitment to engaging responsibly and constructively with the Indian government.
The rift between the two countries deepened when Trudeau suggested in September that India might have played a role in Nijjar’s assassination. He informed the Canadian parliament that intelligence agencies were investigating the potential involvement of “agents of the government of India.” India swiftly denied these allegations but expressed a willingness to examine any specific information shared by Canada.
Both nations have already expelled one diplomat each, further straining relations. On 21 September, India ceased issuing visas to Canadian citizens, citing “security threats” at its missions in Canada. The Indian Foreign Ministry also voiced the need for “parity in rank and diplomatic strength” between the two countries’ diplomatic missions, citing concerns about Canadian interference in India’s internal affairs.
Canadian government announced a reduction in its personnel in India, citing threats received on social media by some diplomats. The move is aimed at ensuring the safety of its diplomatic staff.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have all urged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation into Nijjar’s killing. It’s worth noting that the Indian government has historically reacted strongly to demands by Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland. Nijjar was a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, which saw its peak in India during the 1980s before being suppressed by force.
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