Central idea

Relations between India and Canada have reached a new low, with allegations of Canadian leniency towards Khalistani supporters and accusations of India’s involvement in a recent killing. This isn’t a recent issue but a longstanding tension that dates back to the mid-20th century. The modern-day discord between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Khalistani extremism has exacerbated these historical strains.

Historical Roots of Khalistan Movement in Canada

Establishment of Khalistan Office: Surjan Singh Gill established the ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver in 1982, issuing Khalistani passports and currency.
Militancy’s Impact: The militancy in Punjab in the early 1980s had repercussions in Canada, leading to the emergence of organizations like the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), the Babbar Khalsa, and the World Sikh Organisation.
Air India Kanishka Bombing: The Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the bombing of Air India Kanishka in 1985, resulting in 331 civilian deaths.

Strained Relations: Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated due to Canada’s alleged leniency toward Khalistani supporters. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India, in Surrey in June.
Tensions Over Khalistan: Tensions related to Khalistan extremism have been ongoing for years, with Trudeau’s appointment of Sikh ministers in 2015 sparking controversy and accusations of his proximity to Khalistan sympathizers.
Incidents Fueling Tensions: Various incidents, such as the refusal of meetings by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Trudeau’s cool reception during his India visit, have exacerbated the India-Canada rift.
Report on Sikh Extremism: Canada released a report in 2018 mentioning ‘Sikh extremism’ and Khalistan as threats, but later revised the report, removing these references, which caused further strain.
Alliance with NDP: In March 2022, Trudeau’s Liberal Party formed an alliance with the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, who openly endorsed the Khalistan Referendum on Canadian soil.
G20 Summit Concerns: During the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, PM Modi expressed strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.

Political Influence: Canada’s Sikh community, constituting approximately 2 percent of the population, has gained significant political influence. This is evident through the election of Sikh Members of Parliament and their active involvement in Canadian politics.
Representation in Canadian Parliament: Sikh Canadians have been elected to important political positions, including Members of Parliament. In 2019, there were 18 Sikh MPs in the Canadian parliament, surpassing the number of Sikh MPs in India.
Cultural Impact: Sikh festivals, notably Vaisakhi, are widely celebrated in Canada and have become integral to the country’s multicultural tapestry.
Social Activism: Sikh organizations in Canada are known for their social and humanitarian initiatives, including providing free meals (langar) to those in need. This commitment to community welfare is a notable aspect of their influence.
Business and Economic Contributions: Sikh Canadians have made significant contributions to Canada’s business and economic landscape, with many Sikh-owned businesses playing key roles in the country’s economy.

Varied Responses: Canada’s stance on the Khalistan movement has shifted over the years, with some governments engaging with Khalistanis while others sought reconciliation with India.
Strong Relations under Stephen Harper: During Stephen Harper’s tenure as Canadian PM, Canada and India enjoyed strong relations, marked by high-level visits and agreements.
Efforts at Reconciliation: Both the Modi and Harper governments initially made efforts toward reconciliation, including removing individuals from blacklists and engaging with radicals.

Impact on Bilateral Relations: The tensions related to Khalistan have strained India-Canada bilateral relations, affecting diplomatic interactions and cooperation in various areas such as trade, counter-terrorism, and education.
Security Concerns: Both countries have expressed concerns about the presence and activities of Khalistani extremists on their respective soils, which have led to heightened security measures and intelligence sharing.
Asylum Claims: The increase in asylum claims by Indian nationals in Canada, particularly from Punjab, is seen as a consequence of the Khalistan-related tensions. This has created a complex immigration challenge for Canadian authorities.
Shift in Focus: The article suggests that Canada’s focus on Khalistan has sometimes overshadowed other important aspects of the bilateral relationship, potentially hampering broader cooperation.
Changing Perceptions: The research paper mentioned in the article indicates that interest in the Khalistan movement in Canada is waning, especially among younger generations. This shift in perceptions could impact the future of the movement.

Diplomatic Engagement: The way forward in resolving the tensions related to Khalistan may involve sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue between India and Canada to address each other’s concerns and find common ground.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Both countries can enhance their cooperation on counter-terrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement efforts to counter any extremist activities effectively.
Community Outreach: Canadian authorities can engage with the Sikh community to better understand their concerns and perspectives while ensuring that Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity is respected.
Balanced Foreign Policy: Canada can aim for a balanced foreign policy that addresses the aspirations of its Sikh community while maintaining strong diplomatic relations with India, a significant global partner.
Promotion of Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue and understanding among different communities and advocacy groups within Canada can contribute to peaceful coexistence and reduce tensions related to Khalistan.
Addressing Root Causes: Exploring the root causes of extremism and radicalization within the Sikh community and working together to address them can be a proactive step toward preventing future tensions.

The enduring strain in India-Canada relations over Khalistan remains a complex issue rooted in historical events and contemporary political dynamics. Resolving these tensions will require nuanced diplomacy and a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of the Khalistan movement within Canada.

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Khalistani Movement in Canada