We explain the tensions between India and Canada

Nothing is going well between India and Canada. Basically, the relationship between the two countries has been very bad since a mysterious affair that dates back to last year… Let’s go back in time.

Words you need to know to understand this article

Diplomat: a person who represents his country abroad. For example, a Canadian diplomat in India works to maintain good relations with the Indian government.

Activist: it is the action of fighting for a cause.

Sikh: a person who practices Sikhism, a religion that comes from India. Some Sikhs want to create an independent nation called “Khalistan” in India. They are called separatists. This movement has at times been violent and the Indian government considers it a security threat.


The trigger

In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Sikh religion, was murdered in British Columbia. He campaigned for the creation of Khalistan.


Trudeau blames India

In September 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, stated that he had evidence that the Indian government was linked to this murder. The relationship between the two countries deteriorated following this declaration. Indian diplomats are expelled from Canada and Canadian diplomats are expelled from India.


India responds

India denies involvement in the killing and says it was a tactic by Justin Trudeau to win the vote of Canadians of the Sikh faith. Canada is home to the largest Sikh immigrant population in the world. One in 100 Canadians practice this religion.


Arrests

In May 2024, three men of Indian origin were arrested in Canada and charged with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating to understand what happened.


A big investigation

On Monday, we learned the conclusions of this investigation. Result: Canada accuses the Indian government (and its diplomats in Canada) of having played a role in murders and violent acts against Sikh Canadians.


Diplomats fired

The same day, the Government of Canada announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats. India once again rejects these accusations and, in response, in turn expels six Canadian diplomats. It’s a message that means: we don’t really want to have any friendly ties with you anymore.


What does this mean for us?

Canada advises its citizens against traveling to India. The authorities also encourage the Sikh community to denounce any form of violence against them.

Sources : Agence -Presse, The New York Times, BBC

By Camille Lopez

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