By Mikael-Benedict Worku – Contributor

Canada-India relations have spiraled since Prime Minister Trudeau’s comments about the June 18 murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, putting a heavy strain on bilateral ties between Ottawa and New Delhi as each country expelled diplomats from their soil. Nijjar was a prominent activist for Khalistan, a movement for an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India. Late September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he had “credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called these allegations “absurd and motivated,” accusing Canada of shifting the “focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists” whom Canada shelters. 

Since, Canada has expelled a senior Indian diplomat from their soil, followed by India expelling a senior Canadian diplomat. India has also cancelled visas for Canadians, and on Oct. 3, called for 41 out of 62 Canadian diplomats to leave the country.

Canada and India have a long history of diplomatic relations stretching back to the early 20th century when India was still under British colonial rule. In recent years, the relationship between these two democratic Commonwealth nations has continued to grow and evolve. Modern Canada-India ties can be traced to 1947 when Canada was among the first Western nations to recognize India after its independence. In the decades since, the two countries have built linkages in areas like education, immigration and trade.

Today, the Indian diaspora in Canada numbers over one million and India is Canada’s ninth largest trading partner. Just last year, two-way trade hit $10 billion. Notable events have also helped bring Canada and India closer. This includes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s highly publicized visit to India in 2018. While achieving deliverables proved difficult, it focused attention on the need to restart negotiations for a free trade agreement. There have also been bilateral trips by other Canadian officials and a virtual summit between PM Trudeau and Indian PM Narendra Modi in 2021.

However, Canada-India relations still face challenges. On human rights, Canada has expressed concerns over India’s treatment of farmers. There have also been trade issues related to pulse crops and questions around greater access for Canadian companies to India’s large market. Additionally, climate change remains a sticking point. As with the current diplomatic row, tensions have surfaced over the Khalistan movement, which the Indian government views as a threat to national security and sovereignty. In 1984, Indian forces stormed the Golden Temple in Punjab – Sikhism’s holiest site – in a search for separatists, killing 400 people according to government numbers. A few months later, the Indian prime minister was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards, triggering anti-Sikh riots in the country. The 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, killing over 300, was found to have been orchestrated by Canadian-based Sikh fighters in response to the Golden Temple. 

Looking ahead, Canada and India have much to gain from stronger ties. With India expected to soon become the world’s third largest economy, deepening economic links through trade pacts make sense. There are also huge opportunities in knowledge sectors like education, research and technology. In order to take the relationship to the next level, both sides will need to manage their differences and show greater understanding. Focusing on shared interests in upholding democracy, combating climate change and promoting diversity will be key. Ultimately, the true potential of Canada-India cooperation will only be achieved through open and candid diplomacy.