Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister, David Morrison, underscored this support during a foreign interference inquiry, clarifying the country’s stance: “There is only one India.”
In recent months, the relationship between India and Canada, two democracies with longstanding diplomatic ties, has come under strain. At the core of the tensions is the issue of India’s territorial integrity, which Canada has publicly reaffirmed despite diplomatic friction.
This comes against the backdrop of allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, linking Indian agents to the killing of a pro-Khalistan extremist on Canadian soil. While the situation remains fluid, both nations are navigating a complex diplomatic landscape.
The Roots of Diplomatic Tensions: Allegations and Counterclaims
Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada reached a critical point in 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents might have been involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani separatist leader, in Surrey, British Columbia.
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Nijjar had long been a controversial figure due to his involvement in the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh state carved out of India’s Punjab region. The Indian government has consistently rejected the Khalistan movement, viewing it as a threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
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The allegations made by Trudeau shook the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which had been on an “upswing” before this incident. India responded to the accusations by calling them “absurd” and “motivated,” denying any involvement in Nijjar’s death.
Moreover, the Indian government has consistently stressed that Canada must not become a haven for individuals who promote separatism and extremism under the guise of lawful activism.
The Nijjar incident, therefore, became a flashpoint for broader issues surrounding the influence of pro-Khalistan elements within Canada and their impact on Indo-Canadian relations.
David Morrison, Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister, acknowledged the difficult situation but emphasized that diplomatic channels remain open. His recent remarks before a foreign interference commission reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to India’s territorial integrity, stating, “There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear.”
This declaration signals Canada’s recognition of the sensitivity surrounding the Khalistan issue and its implications for India’s sovereignty.
India’s Territorial Integrity: A Central Tenet of Diplomatic Relations
India’s territorial integrity is a fundamental principle that underpins its foreign policy. The idea of “one India” refers to the nation’s sovereignty over all its territories, including regions that have been the subject of separatist movements like Khalistan.
For India, safeguarding its territorial unity is paramount, as it faces various internal challenges related to secessionist demands, whether from groups in Kashmir, the northeastern states, or the Khalistan movement. Any foreign interference or support for such movements is seen as a direct threat to the nation’s stability and security.
David Morrison’s statement that “India’s territorial integrity must be respected” reflects Canada’s understanding of the gravity of this issue. By affirming that “There is only one India,” Canada acknowledges the importance of India’s unity in the face of separatist demands, even as it grapples with the complexities of pro-Khalistan activities within its own borders.
The Khalistan movement, which gained momentum in the 1980s, continues to have a small but vocal presence in countries with significant Sikh diaspora populations, including Canada, the UK, and the US.
While India views the movement as a challenge to its sovereignty, some segments of the Sikh diaspora in Canada support the movement, framing it as a struggle for self-determination. This divergence of perspectives has created friction between the two nations, with India repeatedly urging Canada to curb pro-Khalistan activities that threaten India’s territorial integrity.
Morrison’s acknowledgment that Canada considers some of these activities “awful, but lawful” illustrates the difficulty the Canadian government faces in balancing freedom of expression with the potential for extremism.
However, his assertion that the situation has improved since the diplomatic fallout suggests that both countries are working to de-escalate tensions while maintaining their respective stances on the issue.
Navigating the Future: Restoring Bilateral Ties Amid Diplomatic Complexity
Despite the diplomatic strains, there remains hope for restoring Indo-Canadian relations. Morrison, in his testimony, highlighted that some of the elements underpinning the bilateral relationship have been “gradually restored” over the past nine months.
This gradual thawing of relations points to the resilience of the partnership between the two countries, which share strong economic, cultural, and political ties.
India is an increasingly significant global player, and its influence in international affairs continues to grow. As Morrison pointed out, Canada is adjusting its foreign policies to reflect India’s rising importance on the world stage.
The fact that conversations between the two countries are ongoing, even amid tensions, signals that both governments are committed to finding common ground.
One of the key issues moving forward will be addressing the concerns surrounding foreign interference, particularly the allegation that India has engaged in activities to influence Canadian communities and politicians.
The public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections has brought to light allegations that India, among other nations, has sought to shape Canadian domestic politics to its advantage. While these allegations have yet to be substantiated with concrete evidence, they have added another layer of complexity to the already strained diplomatic relationship.
At the same time, Canada’s commitment to accountability in the Nijjar case remains firm. Morrison reiterated that the inquiry into Nijjar’s killing is ongoing and that Canada is dedicated to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
While Canadian authorities have arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the crime, no public evidence has directly linked Indian officials to the assassination. This lack of definitive proof complicates the narrative and adds to the diplomatic challenges both nations face.
Looking ahead, both India and Canada must navigate these sensitive issues with caution. While there are clear points of contention, such as the Khalistan movement and the Nijjar case, both countries have much to gain from a strong bilateral relationship.
Trade, immigration, and people-to-people ties are vital aspects of Indo-Canadian relations, and both governments have a vested interest in maintaining these connections.
While the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have cast a shadow over their relationship, there remains hope for reconciliation. Canada’s reaffirmation of India’s territorial integrity, as expressed by David Morrison, is a significant step toward addressing one of India’s core concerns.
However, the path to restoring full diplomatic ties will require both nations to carefully navigate the complex issues surrounding foreign interference, separatist movements, and allegations of state-sponsored violence.
As the world’s largest democracy, India’s role on the global stage continues to grow, and Canada’s engagement with India will be crucial in shaping the future of their bilateral relationship.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏