Diplomatic Row Deepens: India and Canada Expel Diplomats Over Sikh Activist's Assassination

A simmering dispute between India and Canada has escalated dramatically, with both nations expelling senior diplomats amidst allegations that India may have played a role in the assassination of a prominent Sikh activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. This dispute has not only strained diplomatic relations but has also drawn attention to the long-standing tensions related to the Sikh community, the Khalistan movement, and the broader Indian-Canadian relationship.

The Controversy Unfolds: The diplomatic standoff erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised what he called "credible allegations" linking India to the June killing of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and vocal Sikh leader. Canadian authorities expelled an Indian diplomat, reportedly the head of India's intelligence agency in the country, in response to these allegations. India retaliated by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat stationed in India, citing concerns about Canadian diplomats' interference in its internal affairs and their involvement in what it termed "anti-India activities."

The Victim and His Cause: Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent Sikh leader in western Canada, known for advocating the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland. His assassination outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, shocked and outraged Canada's Sikh community, one of the largest Sikh diaspora communities in the world, with over 770,000 members. Nijjar had been an outspoken supporter of Khalistan and frequently led peaceful protests against what advocacy groups termed "human rights violations" in India.

The Khalistan Movement and Indian Response: The Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh homeland, is outlawed in India and regarded as a national security threat. Several groups associated with the movement are listed as "terrorist organizations" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In 2020, India's National Investigation Agency accused Nijjar of attempting to radicalize Sikhs worldwide in favor of Khalistan and inciting secessionist sentiment.

Canada's Allegations and India's Response: Canada's accusations against the Indian government have been met with strong denials from India, which called the allegations "absurd and motivated." India argued that these allegations distract from the real threat of Khalistani terrorists and extremists sheltered in Canada, posing a threat to India's sovereignty.

International Concern and Fallout: The United States and Australia expressed concern over the allegations and urged Canada to pursue its investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. This diplomatic spat has put a pause on an ongoing trade deal between India and Canada, signaling serious repercussions for economic relations.

Historical Tensions: The Indian-Canadian relationship has faced periodic strains over issues related to the Sikh diaspora in Canada. In particular, Prime Minister Trudeau's perceived sympathy for Sikh activists and his attendance at an event where separatist flags and posters were displayed had previously raised eyebrows in India.

The Khalistan Movement's Origins: The Khalistan movement traces its roots back to the aftermath of India's independence in 1947 when some Sikhs called for the creation of a Sikh nation in Punjab. Violent clashes between followers of the movement and the Indian government have occurred over the years, culminating in the tragic Operation Blue Star in 1984 when Indian troops stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Global Sympathies and Referendums: While the Khalistan movement remains marginal within India, it continues to garner sympathy from some Sikhs in the global diaspora, particularly in Canada, Britain, and Australia. A minority of these Sikhs support the idea of Khalistan, occasionally holding referendums to gauge support for a separate homeland.

The escalating dispute between India and Canada over the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar underscores the complex dynamics surrounding the Khalistan movement and the Sikh diaspora in Canada. The diplomatic fallout, international concern, and economic implications highlight the gravity of the situation, with both nations firmly standing their ground amidst deepening tensions.