GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Bilateral Relations
Source: IE
Context: Current tensions between India and Canada escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India. India rejected the allegations and accused Canada of sheltering Khalistani extremists.
Who are Khalistani Extremist?
The Khalistan extremist movement is a separatist movement that seeks to establish an independent Sikh state called Khalistan. It emerged primarily among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in countries like Canada, during the 1980s and has been associated with violence and acts of terrorism.
Khalistan Movement History:
The Khalistan movement has roots in Canada, with the establishment of a ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver in 1982. The movement gained momentum after Operation Bluestar in 1984.
To know further about Khalistan Movement: Click here
Rift in relations between India and Canada:
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Historical Background | The strained relationship dates back to 1948 when Canada supported a plebiscite in Kashmir. In 1998, Canada recalled its high commissioner to India after India conducted nuclear tests. |
| Sikh extremism | Presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada E.g., In 2022, India objected to Canada permitting a Khalistani secessionist “referendum” |
| Concerns about the revival of the Khalistan movement E.g., a recent incident where a pro-Khalistani parade in Canada featured a tableau depicting India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her assassins | |
| Sikh Diaspora’s Influence on Canadian Politics e.g., Canadian PM Justin Trudeau relied on the New Democratic Party (NDP) for his government’s survival, and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is a vocal supporter of Khalistan | |
| Changing Reports | Canada’s annual report on the terrorist threat initially mentioned Sikh extremism and Khalistan in 2018 but later removed these references. This action was criticized by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. |
| Canada’s interference | Canadian comments over India’s farmer protests and India’s cancellation of diplomatic talks in response. |
| Recent Tensions | Tensions have escalated over the last few years, especially since Justin Trudeau became Canada’s Prime Minister in 2015. |
| Allegations of Inaction | India has accused the Canadian government of inaction against pro-Khalistan supporters, which it views as an attempt to gain favour with the Canadian-Sikh community. Canada has denied these allegations. |
| In February-March 2023, India protested against attacks on its diplomatic missions in Canada. | |
| Impact on Immigration | The ongoing tensions have led to a significant increase in asylum claims by Indian nationals, primarily Punjabis, in Canada. |
| Impediments for Trade | India’s Complex labour laws; Market protectionism; Bureaucratic regulations |
| No progress has been made in bilateral agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPA) |
Canada’s Perspective: Canadian officials argue that the Khalistan separatist movement is relatively insignificant and that the referendums organized by Sikh for Justice are within the bounds of the law.
Other Aspects of India- Canada Bilateral Relations:
| Relations | Examples and Initiatives |
| Diplomatic | India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947. Prime Minister of India’s visit to Canada in April 2015 elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. |
| Political | India and Canada share commonalities in Parliamentary structure and procedures. |
| Commercial | Bilateral trade between India and Canada stands at over USD 6 billion in 2020. Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). |
| Nuclear Cooperation | Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010. Joint Committee on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, restoration of nuclear cooperation. |
| Science and Technology | IC-IMPACTS (the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability) is the first, and only, Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence. |
| Space Cooperation | Cooperative and commercial relations in space science, satellite launch services, ground support, and the launch of Canadian nanosatellites. |
| Security and Defence | Collaboration in international fora, mutual ship visits. Framework for Cooperation between India and Canada on Countering Terrorism in 2018. Indo-Pacific: Both countries share a suspicion of China and support free and open navigation in international waters. |
| People-to-People Ties | Large Indian diaspora in Canada, diaspora’s contribution in various sectors, political representation, cultural exchanges. |
| Cultural Exchanges | Country of Focus at the International Film Festival of India. India-Canada Coproduction Agreement. Diwali celebrations on Parliament Hill. |
| Cooperation in COVID-19 Pandemic | Repatriation flights for stranded Canadians. Export of medicines and medical supplies to Canada. |
Mains Links
Prelims Links:
Which among the following has the world’s largest reserves of Uranium? (UPSC 2009)
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) Russian Federation
(d) USA
Ans: A
