India Canada Relations Deteriorated: Amidst Khalistan Tensions | PWOnlyIAS 2023

Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “When India-Canada ties were reset” which was published in the Hindu. India Canada relations have deteriorated over the Khalistani issue and Canada’s soft stance towards terrorists and criminals. 

Unveiling the Nexus: Canada’s Immigration System and Its Consequences on India Canada Relations

• Canada as Choice: A former member of the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board believed that terrorists and criminals developed a choice for Canada.  
• Weak Immigration Policies: It easily provides refugee status to them, hence he/she becomes eligible to avail all social security and medical policies.
• Attitude of Canadian authorities: Canadian laws have loopholes that make it easy for criminals to evade justice. This has allowed renowned separatist leaders and drug cartel members to find a safe haven in Canada.
• Other Reasons: Political lobbying and appeasement, lack of transparency and under funding.
• Hub of Separatists: Canada’s liberal values and commitment to human rights and free speech provide an ideal environment for anti-Indian propaganda fueled by Pakistan’s ISI and separatists.

Also read: Extremism and Terrorism

About India Canada Relations 

• Cooperation in Relations: After the Indian Prime Minister visit in 2015, cooperation blossomed substantially.
• India Canada Trade Ties: Trade doubled during the decade from about $5 billion to $10 billion.
  • Investment from Canada shot up from $700 million to more than $55 billion.
• Other Ties: Two sides set up working groups on countering terrorism, improving strategy, energy ties, nuclear fuel MoUs and a number of other areas. 

How India Canada Relations Crumbled?

• Sizeable Sikh population: Canada has the second largest Sikh population in the world after India. This gives khalistani leaders significant sway over local politics and governing bodies.
• Political Compulsions: Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party minority government relies on the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, a separatist whose visa was denied by the Indian government in 2013. This has made it difficult for Trudeau to take a strong stance against Khalistani separatism.
• Reasons for Tensions between India Canada Relations
  • Criminal Activities: Favour of Canada towards criminal activity by some extremist members of the Sikh community has continued despite denials by successive Canadian governments. 
  • Targeting Indian Personalities: Actions like the posters targeting Indian diplomats, holding a referendum for the Sikh diaspora, and the tableau glorifying Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination and even commending the Air India 182 bombing masterminds have added to the tensions. 
  • Support for hate speeches of Khalistani Protesters: The Government of Canada has denied supporting hate speech, but said that they will protect “freedom of speech” in the country.
  • Bitter Allegations on India: Severe allegations on India have been passed like, “India assassinated a Canadian in Canada”.

Need of the Hour

• Investigation on terror financing route by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which builds pressure on Canada to take appropriate measures to stop this terrorism.
• Needs to stop India- Canada 2010 Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible till Canada takes steps to resolve India’s concerns.

Conclusion

India Canada relations have soured due to the Khalistani issue and Canada’s lenient stance on terrorists. The significant Sikh population in Canada and political challenges have fueled tensions, leading to criminal activities and strained diplomatic ties. Addressing these concerns, including a thorough investigation by FATF, is crucial for rebuilding trust and resolving the issues for both nations.