Diplomatic standoff – Indo-Canada row may have unintended costs

Source: The post is based on the article “Diplomatic standoff – Indo-Canada row may have unintended costs” published in Business Standard on 27^th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests

Relevance: Issues with India and Canda relations

News: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations that India played a role in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have damaged relations between the two countries.

What led Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to make such an allegation against India?

The US reportedly provided intelligence to Canada supporting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims that India was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Intercepted communications of Indian diplomats also allegedly point to India’s role in the plot.

The issue was reportedly raised with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network at the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi.

Must Read: India Canada Relations – Explained, Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora and Just What Is Justin Up To? – On India Canada Relations

What significance do these reports hold?

These reports are significant because they suggest that the US and other Western countries are concerned about India’s alleged role in the assassination.

The fact that two prominent Western media were chosen for select intelligence briefings could be seen as an implicit critique of the Indian government by the White House.

What has been the response of the US on the issue?

Although the US has not publicly taken sides in the dispute between India and Canada, recent statements by US officials suggest that the US is concerned about India’s alleged role in the assassination.

For example, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the US is in touch with both the Canadian and Indian governments on the issue, and he disagrees with reports suggesting that the US and Canada are not on the same page.

What can be the way ahead?

Despite the US emerging as India’s top trading partner, it’s crucial to recognize that Canada holds the same status for the US, strengthened by historic ties and trade agreements such as US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The US is also looking for other allies in the region, such as Japan and South Korea. This suggests that the US may be more likely to side with Canada in the event of a conflict between India and Canada.

Hence, India may need to find a way to balance its relationship with the US with its own domestic and foreign policy goals.