Challenges in Indo-Canada relations

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com.)

The 1985 bombing of an Indian airline by pro-Khalistan separatist terrorists remains a haunting and unresolved chapter in Canadian security history. Despite the passage of many decades, it is disheartening that crucial lessons have not been fully learned from this dreadful attack. Shockingly, only one individual was eventually charged with manslaughter in connection to this horrendous event, and it took nearly two decades for the investigation and prosecution to conclude, as reported by the Canadian national broadcaster, CBC, in July 2022. The prolonged nature of the investigation and the slow progress within the Canadian judicial system have undoubtedly left the Indian government and its citizens, particularly those deeply affected by this act of terrorism, with feelings of dissatisfaction and mistrust. This protracted legal process and the eventual verdict have, for some, served as an ominous precursor to further troubling developments.

Indeed, recent times have witnessed a resurgence of violent and menacing activities perpetrated by elements within the Khalistan separatist movement, taking root in Canada, the neighbour of the United States. Headlines have been replete with evidence of the gravity of this resurgent issue, as exemplified by a report from Wion News titled “How Canada has become headquarters for Khalistani terrorists.” Given Canada’s historical track record in handling such matters, it is not unreasonable for New Delhi to harbour concerns that Ottawa may lack the necessary commitment or capability to effectively address individuals and groups posing a threat to India’s territorial integrity. Especially concerning are those who espouse violence as a means to achieve their destructive objectives, prompting apprehensions about the robustness of Canada’s response to this emerging challenge.

From this perspective, it comes as no surprise that pro-Khalistan separatists in Canada have felt emboldened to engage in reprehensible actions, such as creating disturbing images glorifying the assassination of a former Indian Prime Minister. Shockingly, they even went so far as to publicly display a grotesque depiction of the brutal assassination of Indira Gandhi, who also served as the head of the Congress Party, an opposition party to the current government led by Narendra Modi’s BJP. These recent incidents, among others, have rightfully elicited strong protests from the Indian government and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, a member of the BJP party. In a broader sense, these attacks and threats against India and its citizens on Canadian soil can be viewed as an assault not only on all Indians but also on ethnic Indians worldwide, highlighting the global ramifications of such actions.

Moreover, India has conveyed to Ottawa the imperative of comprehending the necessity of safeguarding its diplomats stationed in Canada, who have been subjected to a range of threats from various Khalistan activists. Adding to the diplomatic concerns, Voice of America reported that India vehemently refuted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian government involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader. India dismissed these allegations as “absurd and politically motivated” and, in the midst of escalating tensions between the two nations, took the measure of expelling a Canadian diplomat.

However, one cannot escape the conclusion that years of inaction and ineffectiveness by Ottawa in dealing with the unchecked activities of Khalistan extremists have injected a toxic element into Indo-Canada relations on all too many occasions. While the overall relationship between these two significant Commonwealth nations has generally been positive, it has been marred by unnecessary flare-ups caused by a fringe group effectively holding the betterment of relations hostage. It is imperative that this long-standing friendship between these two major countries is not allowed to fray any further, and a decisive resolution is urgently needed. The primary responsibility for resolving this issue lies with the Canadian authorities, who must take stronger measures to address this problem and prevent it from further straining the bilateral ties between the nations.

The persistent problem of Ottawa’s perceived ineffectiveness or lack of interest in addressing the alarming violence and hatred emanating from the pro-Khalistan separatist movement can be attributed, in part, to an overzealous interpretation of Canadian multiculturalism. It seems that the government, entangled in the complexities of minority politics, may be reluctant to confront groups advocating violence. This hesitance may stem from a fear of being labeled as excessively politically correct, a concern exacerbated by the extreme woke politics espoused by certain leftist factions, which may hold undue influence both within and outside the government of Justin Trudeau. A more diplomatic explanation of this leniency towards such groups can be found in the statement made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as reported by the Indian Express: “Canada’s response to the Khalistani issue appears to be constrained by its ‘vote bank compulsion.’ India will have to respond if these activities threaten its national security and integrity.”

To be more explicit, Justin Trudeau’s minority government, which relies on a delicate balance of support, may harbour concerns about alienating a significant and politically active segment of the Canadian community. This segment represents a voting bloc that Trudeau’s party has been actively competing for, primarily against the socialist NDP opposition party led by Jagmeet Singh. It’s worth noting that Singh had previously attended pro-Khalistan separatist rallies and refrained from condemning the terrorist separatists responsible for the planted bomb that downed the Canadian plane in 2018, as reported by CBC. However, it should be mentioned that Singh has more recently expressed remorse for his past defence of the pro-Khalistani separatist movement leader who was charged in connection with the airline bombing.

The Canadian government, under Justin Trudeau’s leadership, would benefit from reframing its perspective. Rather than predominantly positioning itself as a guardian and advocate for various segments of minority groups engaged in overseas conflicts tied to their ancestral roots, a more prudent approach would be to prioritize enlightened self-interest. This approach doesn’t entail indifference to the plight of those suffering and facing abuse abroad but emphasizes a balanced stance that serves the best interests of Canadians while remaining responsive to genuine cases of suffering and oppression elsewhere.

I have no personal animosity towards Mr. Trudeau, who hails from a family with a commendable track record regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights, particularly his late father’s government. However, it’s noteworthy that when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau confronted Quebec separatists in the 1970s, especially those who openly supported or engaged in acts of violence, he displayed unwavering resolve. As a Canadian who witnessed the devastating effects of such terrorism, I can attest that Trudeau exhibited a resolute approach in dealing with these perilous elements. His actions garnered widespread appreciation from the majority of Canadians.

Nevertheless, despite the occasional tensions, New Delhi appears to aspire to enhance its relations with Ottawa, even when these relations have hit rock bottom at times, particularly in the context of the Khalistan issue. Fundamentally, it seems that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a genuine affinity for India and its culture. He seems to be committed to avoiding a legacy marked by opposition to the legitimate concerns of the broader Indian community regarding violence, whether or not voter considerations come into play.