Naveed Dheerath
The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have plunged into a significant crisis following serious allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his foreign minister, and the chief of Canadian police. These accusations suggest that Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, are implicated in covert operations aimed at eliminating critics—specifically, proponents of the Khalistan movement—in Canada.
In response to these allegations, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, including its high commissioner, labeling them as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation surrounding the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 and other alleged criminal activities. Trudeau expressed that Canada seeks to have diplomatic immunity waived for these officials to facilitate legal proceedings, a request that India has declined.
Trudeau, while addressing the media, conveyed his disappointment over India’s lack of cooperation, describing the situation as unacceptable. He asserted that Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the safety of its citizens. The investigation into Nijjar’s murder continues, with Canadian authorities suggesting that the assassination was executed by an individual with ties to the Indian government. In efforts to further investigate alleged espionage activities, Canadian authorities are working closely with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, emphasizing an international consensus supportive of Canada’s concerns. Simultaneously, the US and UK have urged India to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Adding to the complexity, on October 17, 2024, the US Justice Department announced charges against an Indian intelligence officer related to a thwarted scheme to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader residing in New York City. This development echoes the concerns raised by Canadian officials, solidifying a narrative of India’s questionable conduct on foreign soil.
The Indian government has vehemently refuted Trudeau’s accusations, characterizing them as politically charged and motivated by domestic electoral agendas in Canada. This situation raises questions about what the US Justice Department stands to gain by implicating India in such matters. It also highlights the consequences of India’s current BJP government’s assertive agendas, which have increasingly tarnished the country’s profile as a democratic entity governed by the rule of law. India is emerging as a nation that engages in transnational repression, actively suppressing dissent beyond its borders.
The response from Canadian authorities and the US Justice Department underscores a broader principle: Despite India’s strategic partnerships with Western nations in areas of trade and regional security—especially in countering influences from China—actions that infringe upon the sovereignty and safety of individuals in other nations will be met with firm resistance.
This moment marks a critical juncture for India. For the first time since its partition, its aspirations for global leadership, along with its portrayal as an ascending power committed to responsible governance, appear undermined. Historically, India has aligned itself with the US and other Western nations in opposition to China; however, the recent allegations involving India’s intelligence operations against allied nations present a shocking deviation from expected diplomatic conduct.
Should these allegations of extrajudicial killings on foreign soil be substantiated, India’s global standing could face profound implications. Its ambitions for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council may diminish, and the country could find itself under scrutiny during multilateral discussions, leading to criticisms that could hinder its international credibility.
Moreover, the political rhetoric of the BJP government towards Pakistan, framed around fighting terrorism and accusing Islamabad of sponsoring militant activities in Kashmir, appears to be losing legitimacy. Revelations from Canadian and US authorities have affirmed longstanding claims that India has engaged in activities undermining stability in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.
Public scrutiny has also extended to the Indian diaspora, traditionally viewed as a highly regarded constituency. However, with recent allegations regarding illegal activities involving Indian nationals and their diplomatic missions, the Indian community’s reputation in Western nations may be increasingly compromised.
A significant aspect of this situation is the BJP’s recruitment of numerous immigrants into extremist organizations like the RSS, which has been at the forefront of campaigns targeting minorities and influencing Indian politics through divisive narratives. This growing concern is prompting calls in the US and other nations to monitor or even prohibit the activities of the RSS, potentially reflecting adversely on India’s broader diplomatic relationships.
The Modi government must take a moment of introspection about why its actions have led not only to criticisms from its immediate neighbors but also from Canada and the US—a shift that highlights a disconcerting perception of India targeting its political dissidents abroad. It is crucial for the Indian public and the media to hold the government accountable, rather than perpetuating adversarial narratives and dwelling in state denial.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the implications of these allegations could reverberate through India’s diplomatic ties, positioning the country at a crossroads in its international relations and domestic policy approach.
