India Canada Relations: India and Canada’s diplomatic relations have reached a historic low, with both countries withdrawing top diplomats in a standoff that has stunned the international community. The once stable ties between these two nations are now fraught with tension, stemming from the assassination of a Sikh separatist in Canada and growing concerns over organized crime. The situation has raised many questions about the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s involvement and its impact on these strained relations. But what exactly led to this deep diplomatic crisis?
Nijjar Killing and Its Impact on Diplomatic Ties
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a supporter of the Khalistan movement, in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023, is widely considered the starting point of the current tension between India and Canada relations. Nijjar was labeled a terrorist by India due to his involvement in promoting separatism. However, his death in Canada has led to accusations of foreign interference.
In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly suggested that there may be credible evidence linking India’s government to Nijjar’s killing. These statements have significantly affected India-Canada relations, with India denying any involvement and calling the allegations “absurd.” Trudeau’s remarks sparked a diplomatic back-and-forth, pushing the two countries into a deeper conflict.
Diplomatic Fallout After G20 Summit
During the G20 summit in September 2023, held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns with Justin Trudeau regarding Sikh separatist activities in Canada. According to reports, PM Modi expressed frustration over Canada’s handling of the issue, particularly in how it approached individuals with alleged links to organized crime and separatism.
Following this meeting, the diplomatic situation worsened. Trudeau’s public comments accusing India of being involved in the Nijjar case further aggravated tensions. In response, both nations took diplomatic measures, including the expulsion of key diplomats from each other’s countries. The decision to expel diplomats and reduce each other’s diplomatic presence marked a turning point in the India-Canada relationship.
Withdrawal of Top Diplomats
As these accusations gained international attention, India made the bold decision to withdraw its top diplomats, including its High Commissioner, from Canada. This move came in response to what India views as a hostile environment in Canada, particularly after images surfaced of the High Commissioner’s effigy being burned by protestors. This withdrawal signals how severely relations have been damaged, marking a point of no return unless diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue are undertaken soon.
Canada, for its part, has expelled multiple Indian diplomats, including intelligence officials, while India has retaliated in kind, sending home several Canadian diplomats. As of now, both nations have significantly reduced their diplomatic presence in each other’s countries, raising concerns about the future of any meaningful cooperation.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s Criticism
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been vocal about the country’s concerns regarding Canada’s immigration policies. In May 2023, Jaishankar criticized Canada for allegedly providing a safe haven for individuals involved in organized crime. He pointed to cases where individuals connected to criminal activities in India, including those linked to the Nijjar case, were found to have operated freely in Canada.
The Lawrence Bishnoi Connection
In a new development, reports have surfaced that Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious Indian gangster, may be connected to the ongoing diplomatic tensions. Bishnoi, who is currently imprisoned in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail, has been involved in several high-profile criminal cases, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala. More recently, his gang has been linked to the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.
According to Washington Post reports, Canadian officials have alleged that Indian networks, potentially connected to Bishnoi, may have been involved in the killing of Nijjar. This angle was highlighted during a secret meeting between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart in Singapore, as reported by international sources. While no concrete evidence has been publicly shared, these allegations have added a new layer to the India-Canada diplomatic conflict.
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