Tensions between INDIA and CANADA:

India and Canada relations:

History:

India and Canada have shared diplomatic ties since 1947, with diplomatic relations characterized by economic cooperation, educational exchange, and a substantial Indian diaspora in Canada. While trade and investment have been trending areas of collaboration, occasional diplomatic tensions have arisen over issues such as trade disputes and concerns about Khalistan-related activities within Canada's Sikh community. Despite challenges, both nations have continued to engage in multilateral forums and have worked together on global issues, reflecting the evolving dynamics of their relationship.

India and Canada maintain diplomatic relations, and while they do not share a deep historical or cultural connection like some other countries, they have engaged in various aspects of cooperation and diplomacy over the years.

Here are some key points about India-Canada relations:

Diplomatic Relations: India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947, following India's independence from British rule.

Trade and Economic Ties: Trade between the two countries has been steadily growing. Both nations are members of the Commonwealth, which provides a platform for economic cooperation. They have also signed trade agreements to boost economic ties.

Indian Diaspora in Canada: Canada is home to a significant Indian diaspora, which has played a role in strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries. This diaspora has contributed to various fields in Canada, including politics, business, and culture.

Education and Migration: Many Indian students choose Canada as a destination for higher education. Canada's welcoming immigration policies have also attracted Indian professionals and skilled workers.

Bilateral Agreements: India and Canada have signed several bilateral agreements covering areas such as nuclear cooperation, trade and investment promotion, and defense collaboration.

Defense Cooperation: Defense collaboration between the two countries has been growing, with discussions on defense procurement and technology transfer.

Multilateral Forums: India and Canada often find themselves working together in various international organizations and forums, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

Challenges and Differences: Like any two countries, India and Canada have had their share of challenges and differences on various issues, including trade disputes and differences in foreign policy.

Environmental Cooperation: Both countries have expressed commitments to environmental issues and have discussed cooperation in areas like clean energy and climate change.

Cultural Exchanges: Cultural exchanges, such as art exhibitions and film festivals, have been a part of the bilateral relationship, promoting greater cultural understanding.

It is important to note that the dynamics of international relations can change over time, and the relationship between India and Canada continues to evolve. The two countries maintain diplomatic ties and engage in cooperation on various fronts, reflecting their interests and priorities on the global stage.

Role of Canada in (Khalistan):

The issue of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland, has been a source of tension and controversy in the context of India and its diaspora, including in Canada. Here is an overview of the Khalistan issue concerning India and Canada:

Khalistan Movement: The Khalistan movement emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a demand for a separate Sikh state, Khalistan, in the Punjab region of India. The movement was characterized by violence and armed struggle, leading to a significant loss of life.

Role of Sikhs in Canada: Canada has a substantial Sikh community, many of whom have roots in Punjab, India. Some members of the Canadian Sikh community have been vocal supporters of the Khalistan movement, which has caused diplomatic tensions between India and Canada at various points.

Diaspora Activism: Khalistan activists in Canada have at times organized rallies, protests, and events advocating for Khalistan. These activities have sometimes led to tensions between the Canadian government, which emphasizes its commitment to international law and diplomacy, and India, which views such activities as a threat to its sovereignty and national security.

Political Impact: The Khalistan issue has had political repercussions in Canada, as politicians have been accused of either supporting or failing to condemn Khalistan separatism. This has occasionally strained India-Canada relations.

Diplomatic Relations: India has, on occasion, expressed concerns to the Canadian government about the activities of Khalistan groups and individuals on Canadian soil. Canada, in turn, has sought to balance the rights of its citizens to freedom of expression with its commitment to diplomatic relations with India.

Security Cooperation: Despite occasional tensions over the Khalistan issue, India and Canada have maintained diplomatic relations and cooperation in various areas, including trade, security, and counter-terrorism.

Recent Developments: The dynamics of the Khalistan issue continue to evolve. It is important to note that not all Sikhs in Canada or elsewhere support the Khalistan movement, and opinions within the Sikh community vary widely.

In recent years, there has been an effort by some segments of the Sikh diaspora, both in Canada and other countries, to focus on issues such as human rights, social justice, and community development rather than advocating for Khalistan. However, the issue remains complex and sensitive, and it continues to be a topic of discussion in India-Canada relations, especially within the context of diaspora politics.

Current status of relation:

Indicators of strained relations between Canada and India surfaced during the recent G-20 summit in New Delhi. Unlike his Western counterparts, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not engage in formal bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Instead, the two leaders held frank discussions on the summit's sidelines, during which Modi voiced concerns regarding the "continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada," according to his office.

Experts have noted that the historically trade-driven and diaspora-connected India-Canada relationship has experienced a gradual decline in recent years. This decline can be attributed to India's allegations that Canada has shown sympathy toward a Sikh separatist movement, countered by Canada's claims of Indian interference in its internal politics.

The nadir of this relationship occurred when Trudeau delivered a contentious statement before the Canadian Parliament, stating that Ottawa was actively pursuing "credible allegations" from Canadian intelligence that implicated New Delhi in the assassination of a prominent Sikh Canadian leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil in June. Following Trudeau's remarks, the Canadian government expelled a senior Indian diplomat. India swiftly responded with a statement, refuting any involvement in Nijjar's death, and reciprocally expelling an unnamed senior Canadian diplomat.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS between both countries:

Canada recently updated its travel advisory for India, advising travelers to be cautious due to the risk of terrorist attacks. This advisory change is part of an ongoing disagreement between Canada and India.

The tension escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that officials were investigating "credible allegations" of a potential connection between Indian government agents and the June killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India's foreign ministry did not directly respond to Trudeau's remarks but expressed concern for the safety of its citizens in Canada due to "politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence." They mentioned that threats have specifically targeted Indian diplomats and parts of the Indian community opposing anti-India activities, advising Indian nationals to avoid certain regions and venues in Canada where such incidents have occurred.

Trudeau's announcement of the investigation fueled existing tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi regarding the advocacy of Sikhs in Canada supporting an independent Sikh state in India. Sikh advocates have reported persecution and surveillance, while India has accused the separatist movement of planning violence.

What to do when buying an iphone from someone