India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Amid Accusations

This week has seen a significant downturn in diplomatic relations between India and Canada, primarily triggered by accusations surrounding the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Canada claims involved Indian agents. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada's sovereignty was undermined by India's aggressive actions, emphasizing that they are not seeking conflict. In response, India's Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations, stating that Canada provided no evidence for its claims. This diplomatic spat has intensified further with the United States charging a former Indian intelligence officer in relation to a foiled plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist in New York. The tensions escalate a long-standing issue concerning the Sikh independence movement, which India staunchly opposes. Former Canadian Consul General Jeff Nankivell suggests the current situation reflects decades of deteriorating relations, initiated when Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar's murder in a 2022 parliamentary session. Despite governmental tensions, economic ties between India and Canada remain intact, but the fear now is whether these developments will impact trade in the foreseeable future.