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In the latest development surrounding the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Ottawa is making changes to its diplomatic staff presence in India while New Delhi has suspended visa services in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shocked the House of Commons by revealing “credible” intelligence suggesting a possible connection between Nijjar’s killing and agents of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader supporting the Khalistan movement, was shot outside a Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, B.C. Trudeau did not provide further details on the evidence Canadian intelligence agencies possess.
India has strongly denied these allegations, accusing Canada of harboring Khalistani terrorists and extremists. It has also warned its citizens in Canada to exercise caution due to what it calls “anti-India activities.” As a result, both countries have expelled each other’s diplomats.
In response to the escalating situation, Ottawa is adjusting its diplomatic presence in India as some staff have received threats on various social media platforms. Meanwhile, New Delhi’s visa processing center in Canada has temporarily suspended its services. Global Affairs Canada emphasized that all their locations are staffed with diplomats and locally-engaged staff to ensure continuity. They will continue to prioritize the safety of their personnel and their operations in India.
On the other hand, Canada’s high commission and consulates remain open, and they expect India to provide security for their diplomats and consular officers in accordance with the Vienna Convention. However, the BLS Indian Visa Application Center has announced the suspension of visa services with no further details provided.
According to India’s Bureau of Immigration, 80,000 Canadian tourists visited India in 2021, making them the fourth largest group. Nevertheless, India’s External Affairs Ministry has advised its citizens, especially those studying in Canada, to be cautious due to growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes. It also suggested avoiding venues that have been targeted against Indian diplomats and the opposing Indian community. In response, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc reassured that Canada is a safe country.
Nijjar was working on organizing an unofficial referendum among the Sikh diaspora for independence from India when he was killed. He denied India’s accusations of terrorism. The second stage of voting on whether a Sikh homeland should be established in India’s Punjab province is set to take place on October 29.
Following Trudeau’s announcement, Vancouver Police Department has increased security outside India’s Consulate. While no specific threats have been reported, the police continue to monitor the situation and maintain public safety.
The demand for an independent Sikh homeland, known as Khalistan, originated in the 1970s and faced suppression in India’s Punjab state. Despite a loss of political power, the movement still has supporters in Punjab and the overseas Sikh diaspora.
The modern Sikh independence movement traces back to the 1940s but gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s. It faced a significant event in 1984 when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a raid on Sikhism’s holiest shrine, resulting in hundreds of deaths. In retaliation, anti-Sikh riots occurred across India, resulting in the killing of many Sikhs.
Although the insurgency was quelled long ago, the Modi government has repeatedly claimed the resurgence of Sikh separatists. It has urged countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom to take legal action against Sikh separatists. India has also accused Canada of allowing free rein to Sikh separatists, including Nijjar.
The ongoing expulsion of diplomats has further intensified tensions between Canada and India. Trudeau and Modi had tense encounters during the G20 meeting in New Delhi, and as a consequence, Canada canceled a trade mission to India. Nevertheless, Canada remains a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, with nearly 300,000 Indian students studying there.
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