India and Canada have traditionally maintained diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and shared values. However, over the past year, these ties have soured significantly due to allegations, diplomatic expulsions, and escalating tensions related to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist. Here’s a detailed timeline of the key events that have led to the current strained situation between the two nations, along with an exploration of anti-India activities in Canada.
Timeline of Events in India-Canada Relations (2023–2024)
September 2023: The Allegations and Diplomatic Fallout
- September 10, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. Modi raises concerns about pro-Khalistan protests in Canada. Shortly after, Ottawa pauses discussions on the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) with India.
- September 18, 2023: Trudeau drops a bombshell in Canada’s parliament, accusing the Indian government of involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, who was shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023. He claims that Canadian intelligence has evidence linking Indian agents to the killing.
- September 19, 2023: India strongly rejects Trudeau’s allegations, calling them “absurd and motivated.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) claims the accusations are an attempt to divert attention from Canada’s sheltering of Khalistani extremists. Hours later, India expels a senior Canadian diplomat.
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Diplomatic Expulsions and Visa Suspensions
- September 22, 2023: India suspends issuing new visas for Canadian citizens and demands Canada reduce its diplomatic presence in India.
- October 20, 2023: Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announces that 41 Canadian diplomats and their families have left India. She accuses India of stripping them of their diplomatic immunity, putting their safety at risk. Canada halts visa services in Indian cities like Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
November 2023: New Allegations Surface
- November 29, 2023: The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charges Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate US-based Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The DoJ claims that Gupta acted on behalf of an Indian official, identified as “CC1.”
- November 30, 2023: India forms a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the DoJ’s allegations against the Indian official.
2024: Arrests and Investigations Continue
- May 2024: Canadian police charge three people—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—in connection with Nijjar’s murder. By May 11, a fourth suspect was arrested.
- June 2024: India and Canada agree to “work together” to resolve ongoing issues during a brief exchange between Trudeau and Modi at the G7 Outreach Summit.
- October 11, 2024: Modi and Trudeau have another brief conversation at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane. While India downplays the meeting, Trudeau mentions the need to work on pending issues.
- October 13, 2024: Canada formally notifies India that Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, are “persons of interest” in the Nijjar murder investigation. India responds by expelling six Canadian diplomats.
- October 14, 2024: India orders the withdrawal of its High Commissioner and other key diplomats from Canada, citing security concerns.
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What Are The Anti-India Activities in Canada?
- June 2023 Brampton Parade: On June 4, 2023, in Brampton, Ontario, a parade marking the anniversary of Operation Bluestar featured a disturbing tableau. A figure representing former Indian Prime Minister Idira Gandhi was depicted in a blood-stained saree with turbaned men pointing guns at her, apparently celebrating her assassination. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned the event, questioning why such activities are allowed in Canada. This display highlighted the larger issue of pro-Khalistan activities tolerated in the country.
- Sikh Referendum for Khalistan: In 2022, a pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), held a so-called “referendum” on Khalistan in Brampton. The event saw over 100,000 participants. SFJ, which is banned in India for its links to terrorism, has long been active in Canada, organising events that incite anti-India sentiment. India has consistently raised concerns about such activities and urged Canada to take action.
What Lies Ahead for India-Canada Relations?
The relationship between India and Canada has reached a critical juncture due to escalating tensions and unresolved issues regarding Khalistani separatism and diplomatic fallout. While both nations have expressed a desire to work through their differences, the current state of affairs suggests that significant challenges remain. As Canada continues to support pro-Khalistan groups, India’s patience is running out. Whether the two nations can repair their once-strong diplomatic ties remains to be seen.