News EditorClashes erupted outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, a city near Toronto, as pro-Khalistan Sikh protesters faced off with members of the Hindu congregation on a recent Sunday afternoon. The violence, which involved flagpoles and physical altercations, follows days of unrest across Canada, resulting in multiple arrests.
The confrontation was sparked by protests against a visit by Indian consular officials, marking the latest flashpoint in escalating tensions between Canada and India. These tensions, which have simmered for decades, have recently intensified following the 2023 assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier stated that there was credible information linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s killing. The Indian government has denied these claims, calling them “absurd,” while accusing Nijjar of involvement in terrorist activities related to the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh homeland in northern India.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated further following Canada’s accusations last month that Indian government agents, including close aides to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were plotting to kill pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Canada. In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, after police linked Indian diplomats to violent acts against Sikh separatists in the country.
In turn, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, and tensions reached new heights when Canada accused Amit Shah, India’s Home Minister, of orchestrating violent plots against Sikhs in Canada. These high-profile allegations have sparked concern among Canada’s intelligence-sharing allies, particularly those within the “Five Eyes” group, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Khalistan movement, a key issue driving the discord, has long been a source of contention. While the movement lost ground in India after the violent 1980s crackdown, it remains active among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, home to one of the largest Sikh communities outside India. India accuses Canada of harboring Sikh extremists, a claim that Canada rejects, emphasizing its commitment to free speech and peaceful protest.
Violence linked to the movement dates back to the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, further complicating relations between the two countries. Despite Canada’s view that peaceful advocacy for Khalistan is a right, India views the movement as a national security threat.
Tensions between the two nations have sharply escalated under the leadership of Trudeau and Modi. The diplomatic rift was underscored by Trudeau’s visit to India in 2018, which saw strained receptions and controversies over Sikh separatist ties.
As the relationship continues to spiral, analysts suggest that the growing mistrust between Modi and Trudeau has reached a point where resolving the issues diplomatically may no longer be possible. With Canada’s next federal election approaching, the diplomatic fallout shows no signs of abating.
The recent violence in Brampton, where five arrests were made and a local police officer was suspended for participating in the protests, highlights the severity of the situation. Modi condemned the clashes, calling them an attack on a Hindu temple and demanding that Canada ensure justice. However, with both governments entrenched in their positions, the path to reconciliation remains uncertain.
Analysts warn that the ongoing tensions may not only damage diplomatic relations but also jeopardize areas of cooperation, such as trade, between the two countries. The risk of further deterioration remains high as both sides continue to engage in inflammatory rhetoric.
