Dear Canada, A Message from India

By Ravi Kumar

Canada, a nation known for its multiculturalism and inclusive values, finds itself in a unique position when it comes to dealing with the pro-Khalistan Sikh population and its relationship with India. The issue of Khalistan is no longer confined to India's borders; it has evolved into a diaspora-led concern, particularly in countries like Canada, driven by native political support and the economic prominence of pro-Khalistan Sikh communities.
Specifically, Canada's relationship with India is built on shared democratic values and a commitment to upholding global peace and security. Unlike other nations, India is not aligned with powers like Iran or North Korea. Instead, it stands as an ally in the Western democratic world. This places a unique responsibility on Canada to maintain a relationship of trust and cooperation with India, a key player in the region and a vital partner on various international fronts.

The Real Challenge

The real challenge for Canada lies in addressing India's concerns regarding its pro-Khalistan Sikh population and cooperating on the extradition of individuals wanted for their involvement in acts of terrorism and other anti-India activities. For example, in the attack on the Red Fort during the Farmer's protest in the year 2021, a substantial number of protesters breached the walls of the Red Fort (a symbol of India's sovereignty) on Republic Day. They raised the Nishan Sahib, prompting India to intensify its international endeavors aimed at pursuing pro-Khalistani elements through legal channels. This dramatic incident, which unfolded on a day of national significance, underscored the urgency of addressing such extremist elements and their potential threats to India's stability and security.
In the past, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) and various other national agencies diligently submitted multiple requests for Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) to Canada. These requests pertained to over 20 individuals linked to Khalistani movements and criminal organizations who had sought refuge within Canadian borders. Unfortunately, despite these earnest efforts, Canadian investigative agencies did not provide the expected response nor extend their cooperation in advancing these critical investigations. This non-cooperation undermines the principles of justice and international collaboration and raises serious questions about Canada's commitment to combatting global terrorism and safeguarding the bilateral relationship with India.
It is worth noting that the situation in Canada is not entirely dissimilar to that in the United Kingdom, where the majority of the Sikh population does not advocate for Khalistan or hold anti-India sentiments. In both countries, the Sikh communities are diverse, comprising individuals with a range of views and affiliations. Nevertheless, the UK is establishing a robust operational framework to address Khalistani extremism both autonomously and in collaboration with India. Then, why not Canada?

The Conditional "If"

Indeed, the killing of Nijjar was an unfortunate incident. If Canada possesses credible intelligence regarding India's alleged involvement, as Prime Minister Trudeau has asserted, yet has not disclosed any details to the public, it raises significant challenges. The reality is that neither the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) nor the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) possesses the jurisdictional power to pursue justice in a case that spans international borders. Consequently, this investigation may inevitably reach an impasse and be relegated to the cold-case files. Undeniably, a Canadian lost his life on Canadian soil (based on legality), constituting a breach of Canada's sovereignty only if India accepts its involvement. Regrettably, the India-Canada relationship is the most substantial casualty in this unfolding scenario. Casting blame on India before the investigation concludes may lead the Trudeau administration to believe India will halt its pursuit of Khalistan extremists within Canada. Still, such an assumption would be a fallacy if India is involved in the Nijjar killing.  

Moving Forward

Moving forward, it becomes increasingly vital for Canada to base its relationship with India on a nuanced and comprehensive comprehension of the intricate Khalistan issue. Regardless of shifting local political landscapes and the ebb and flow of leadership, it is imperative that the principles of diplomacy and international cooperation take precedence over the temptation of appeasing pro-Khalistan Canadian Sikh communities or succumbing to vote bank compulsions. By doing so, Canada can demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a robust and principled partnership with India and play a pivotal role in fostering an environment of trust and collaboration that transcends individual interests and upholds the shared values of both nations. In an era where global challenges require unity and shared resolve, Canada's approach to this sensitive matter can significantly impact the broader geopolitical landscape and contribute to its own and global stability.
About the Author
Ravi Kumar, a Geopolitical Analyst Hailing from New Delhi, India

IndraStra Global is now available on
Apple News, Google News, Flipboard, RSS, and Feedly

 

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this insight piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of IndraStra Global.

COPYRIGHT: This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

REPUBLISH: Republish our articles online or in print for free if you follow these guidelines. https://www.indrastra.com/p/republish-us.html