Canada, India: Diplomatic Relations at All-Time Low

Six diplomats from each of the two countries have been expelled

The relations between Canada and India have become increasingly complex. On October 14, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, and India responded by ordering the same number of Canadian diplomats to leave the country.

The accusation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau relates to “murders and violent acts” allegedly involving New Delhi agents that took place in Canada. This concerns the persecution of some Sikh Canadians who are part of the Khalistan independence movement in northern India (Punjab) on the border with Pakistan.

India considers the Sikh separatist movement a threat to state security and is the cause of ongoing tensions with Canada, accused of hosting “terrorists.” In fact, this North American country has the largest population of Sikhs outside of the Punjab, making up about 2% of Canada’s population. In June 2023, separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar (a Canadian citizen) was assassinated in Surrey, British Columbia, and Trudeau pointed the finger at “Indian agents,” but Modi denied the fact.

In any case, diplomatic tensions should not have an immediate impact on bilateral trade relations, Reuters explains, citing some officials from the two countries. Bilateral trade between India and Canada totaled $8.4 billion last fiscal year, a slight increase over the previous year. Canada exports minerals, pulses, potash, industrial chemicals, and gemstones, importing pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronic equipment, pearls, and gemstones.