A violent confrontation between two religious groups erupted outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada. This incident marks the latest in a series of escalating tensions between Canada and India. The Canadian government accused Indian officials of plotting to assassinate pro-Khalistan Sikhs residing in Canada. In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner. India has vehemently denied these accusations, deeming them "absurd and baseless." The ongoing discord reflects a deeper, historical conflict rooted in the Khalistan movement, which proposes an autonomous homeland for Sikhs in northern India.
The Khalistan movement is banned in India and considered a national security threat. Thousands of Sikhs have emigrated to countries such as Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada, seeking refuge and opportunities abroad. Despite this, the movement's influence remains a contentious issue within India's political landscape.
The Canadian government claims to have provided evidence of the alleged plot to their Indian counterparts. However, India continues to deny any involvement. In an attempt to address the accusations, the Indian government has established a high-level committee to investigate American claims regarding a similar conspiracy targeting a Sikh activist and American citizen in New York City.
The recent clashes in Brampton are symptomatic of a broader dispute that has simmered between Canada and India for decades. The Sikh insurgency of the 1980s, marked by a violent campaign, still resonates strongly with New Delhi's political elite. The memory of this turbulent period contributes to the heightened sensitivity surrounding current events.
Michael Kugelman of the South Asia Institute highlighted the gravity of Canada's allegations against India, emphasizing their impact on bilateral relations.
"Here is a case of the top official in Canada very publicly leveling one of the most serious allegations one could make against India, one that relates to an issue that is extremely sensitive for New Delhi," – Kugelman, of the South Asia Institute.
These allegations have intensified anger in New Delhi, where officials perceive Canada's actions as dismissive of India's concerns.
"It really reinforced this anger in New Delhi that Canada simply doesn’t care about these concerns, and it’s willing to embarrass India." – Kugelman, of the South Asia Institute.
The situation has drawn attention from Canada's "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing allies, including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries express concern over the potential implications of the conflict on international relations and security.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded firmly to the violence and accusations.
"Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve," – Modi.
"We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law." – Modi.
The Canadian government has acknowledged that Khalistan separatists do not represent the Sikh community at large in Canada. Nevertheless, tensions persist as both nations grapple with historical grievances and contemporary challenges.
Stephanie Carvin, a former Canadian intelligence analyst, noted the apparent disparity in India's willingness to engage with Canadian officials compared to its dealings with the US.
"It seems pretty clear that the Indian government is not willing to meet with its Canadian counterparts in the same way that they’re willing to meet with (the US)," – Carvin, the former Canadian intelligence analyst.
According to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., the discord between Canada and India had been festering for quite some time before reaching its current state of volatility.
"It was really like a festering sore for quite some time," – Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC.
India has also accused Canada of failing to prevent the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. This accusation further complicates diplomatic relations and underscores longstanding suspicions between the two nations.
