Tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Source: The post tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has been created, based on the article “On India-Canada diplomatic relations” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article talks about tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India accuses Canada of sheltering Khalistani extremists. Cultural misunderstandings, legal issues, and media roles have strained relations. Both countries view the situation differently.

For detailed information on India-Canada Relations and the Khalistan Issue read this article here

Why are Canada and India in Conflict?

1. The diplomatic row began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India’s intelligence might be involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.

2. India had labeled Nijjar a Khalistani terrorist.
3. In response to these accusations, both nations expelled each other’s top diplomats, worsening Hindu-Sikh tensions in Canada.

What is the Historical Background?

1. India has long criticized Canada for being a safe haven for Khalistani extremists.

2. India’s biggest grievance was Canada’s failure to prevent the 1985 Air India bombing, carried out by Canada-based Khalistani extremists.
3. This terrorist act killed 329 people, including children, and was the largest airline bombing before 9/11.
4. Canada’s response to the bombing and subsequent investigations has strained relations between the two countries.

Do Sikhs in Canada Hold Political Power?

1. Sikhs make up only 2% of Canada’s population but hold significant political influence due to geographic concentration. At one point, four Sikh ministers served in Trudeau’s cabinet.

2. Many Sikh MPs belong to Trudeau’s Liberal Party, although surveys show most Sikhs in Canada may vote Conservative in the next election.
3. While Trudeau’s government has engaged with Sikh community events where Khalistan flags are displayed, this engagement isn’t solely for political gains.

Are There Cultural Misunderstandings Between India and Canada?

Misunderstandings exist on both sides.

1. In Canada, the Air India bombing was long viewed as a “foreign tragedy” due to the victims’ Indian heritage, reflecting systemic racism. Many Canadians remain unaware of Khalistani activism because no Khalistani terrorist acts have occurred in Canada since the bombing.
2. In India, public opinion assumes that Canadian institutions function similarly to Indian ones, with less understanding of Canada’s guarded police independence and stringent rule of law.

Why Does Canada Deny India’s Extradition Requests?

1. India’s extradition requests for Khalistani extremists are often denied due to Canada’s legal standards and concerns about India’s human rights record.

2. Western countries, including Canada, avoid extradition when there’s a risk of prolonged detention without trial.
3. Only six individuals have been extradited to India from Canada between 2002-2020.
4. Notably, India also struggles to extradite individuals like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya from countries like the U.K., which are friendly to India.

What Role Has the Media Played?

1. In Canada, media outlets have been critical of Trudeau’s government for not sharing evidence regarding India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing. However, they also criticized India’s aggressive stance.

2. Indian media has strongly supported the government narrative, sometimes pushing misinformation, such as claiming there were no convictions for the Air India bombing, despite Inderjit Singh Reyat’s 30-year sentence for making the bomb.

Is Freedom of Expression a Factor?

1. India is frustrated by Canada’s allowance of Khalistani referendums and parades that glorify violence.

2. In Canada, free speech laws permit these expressions, as long as they do not cross the legal threshold for hate speech.
3. Legal experts in Canada argue that stronger vigilance is needed against explicit hate speech, particularly in cases where threats are made.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors contributing to the diplomatic conflict between Canada and India over the Khalistan issue and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.