The relationship between India and Canada has recently been affected by the controversial issue concerning Khalistan, a proposed separate Sikh state in the present Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The tension was intensified when the Canadian Prime Minister accused India of involvement in the killing of a Khalistani Leader in Surrey in June 2023, labeled as a terrorist by India. In response, India condemned Canada for harboring Khalistani extremists, thereby straining the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Understanding the Khalistan Movement
A significant player in the India-Canada tension is the Khalistan Movement. It is a struggle by some factions of the Sikh population for an independent Sikh state in present-day Punjab – covering parts of India and Pakistan. The movement saw violent acts of insurgency during the 1970s and 1980s, which was eventually quelled in India following Operation Blue Star (1984) and Operation Black Thunder (1986 and 1988). However, the demand for Khalistan continues to gain support, especially among the Sikh diaspora in countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Recent Anti-India Activities in Canada and India’s Reaction
Several recent incidents have further complicated the situation. An influential event was the Operation Bluestar Anniversary Parade in June 2023, where the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was seemingly celebrated. Additionally, the pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs for Justice initiated a dubious ‘referendum’ on Khalistan, claiming considerable support. There were also instances of media outlets, like the Sanjh Savera Magazine, showing bias towards the Khalistan Movement.
India expressed its concern over these activities, citing the constant harassment of its diplomats and officials by Khalistanis in Canada as a significant foreign policy stress point.
Consequences of Khalistan Radicalism on India-Canada Relations
The Khalistan issue has several implications for the relationship between India and Canada. Diplomatic relations are strained, with trust eroded, making it harder to collaborate on bilateral and international affairs. It poses a security risk to India, especially with India’s concerns about Sikh separatist demonstrations at their diplomatic missions abroad. This tension also threatens the trade relations between the two countries, which in 2022 were valued at around USD 8.2 billion. The escalating tensions could impact travel and interactions between citizens of both countries, and it may even lead Canada to reconsider its immigration policies.
The Khalistan Movement and Its Association with Terrorism in Canada
The Khalistan Movement’s history is marked by episodes of violence in Canada too. In June 1985, the bombing of Air India Kanishka, orchestrated by the Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa, resulted in a horrific act of terrorism. In the 1980s, Punjab militancy repercussions were seen in Canada, causing further division between India and Canada.
Past Instances of Tension Between India and Canada
There have been previous periods of friction in the India-Canada relationship. In recent times, the Canadian Prime Minister’s comments about India’s reaction to farmers’ protests and his political alliance with the New Democratic Party, which supported the Khalistan Referendum, aggravated the tensions.
A Way Forward
To address this situation, India should focus on investing in the economic development of Punjab, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure justice for the victims and survivors of the violence that occurred during the Khalistan movement. Both countries need to maintain open lines of dialogue to openly discuss grievances and work towards a mutually beneficial understanding.
