All Is Not Well Between Modi And Justin Trudeau; Khalistani Extremism in Canada Takes Center Stage During G20 Summit.

The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G-20 summit in New Delhi was marked by tensions related to Khalistani groups and interference operations.

India expressed deep concerns about Khalistani violence in Canada, while Canada raised issues of foreign interference in its elections, particularly by intelligence agencies from India and other countries.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi conveyed strong concerns about extremist elements in Canada, accusing them of promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada, including their places of worship.

These groups were alleged to have connections with organized crime, drug syndicates, and human trafficking, and the MEA stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing such threats.

In response, Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged India’s concerns over Khalistani groups but also emphasized Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression, conscience, and peaceful protest.

He underlined the need to prevent violence and hatred while respecting the rule of law; hence, the meeting did not result in a significant breakthrough in the strained India-Canada relations, which have been affected by various issues, including Khalistani extremism, violence against the Indian diaspora, and criticism of India’s handling of the Farm Bill protests.

During the G20 summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with numerous world leaders but did not engage in one with Prime Minister Trudeau. Additionally, the scheduling of the bilateral meeting between the two leaders appeared to be a point of contention, as it was scheduled late on Saturday; Trudeau also skipped an official banquet, citing scheduling reasons.

Despite some awkward moments and speculation about strained ties, Trudeau asserted that he had a good relationship with Prime Minister Modi and emphasized the importance of India as an economic partner for Canada. However, the challenges in their relationship persisted, with Canada recently pausing talks on a proposed trade treaty with India.

Trudeau’s departure from the G20 summit was delayed due to technical issues with the Canadian delegation’s aircraft, as stated by the prime minister’s office, and the delegation is to remain in India until alternative arrangements are made.

The Khalistani Affect

Before the G-20 Summit, Trudeau had further strained relations by expressing disappointment over not being included in certain summit discussions.

The tensions between India and Canada are aggravated by the issue of Khalistani extremism, which remains a concern for India due to Sikh protests in Canada. Canada’s Sikh population is one of the largest outside of India, and India has criticized Canada for allowing events that appear to glorify violence by Sikh separatists.

New Delhi has long been sensitive to Sikh protests in Canada, and in June, India criticized Canada for permitting a float in a parade that depicted the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, as this portrayal was seen as glorifying violence by Sikh separatists.

The Indian government had then stated, “They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.”

The Bone Of Contention
Relations between India and Canada remain strained, with Ottawa recently halting talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, just three months after both nations aimed to finalize an initial agreement this year.

Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984 by two Sikh bodyguards occurred after she allowed the storming of the holiest Sikh temple in northern India; this action was an attempt to flush out Sikh separatists who sought an independent homeland known as Khalistan.

Canada, since it boasts the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, has been a focal point for numerous protests that have irked India.

Khalistani extremists are gaining significant ground in Canada, posing a clear transnational terror threat and straining relations between New Delhi and Ottawa.
Sikh extremists have circulated posters featuring the names and photographs of Indian diplomats in Canada, further exacerbating the situation.

Canadian authorities have not shown a sense of urgency in addressing the issue despite these provocative actions. Khalistani groups have become increasingly active not only in Canada but also in the UK, the US, and Australia, where they have targeted Indian missions and temples. Recently, Khalistani supporters even carried out an arson attack against the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

India’s own experience in dealing with Khalistani terrorism in the 1980s indicates the high cost of allowing such groups to thrive. Despite the success of Sikhs in India who rejected the separatist Khalistani ideology, some Khalistani elements sought refuge abroad and exploited the freedom of speech and protest in other countries to advance their dangerous agenda.

Canada, in particular, has seen Sikhs, constituting only about 1% of the Canadian population, wield significant political influence and indirectly affect the Canadian authorities’ stance toward Sikh extremist groups.

This influence is partly due to a peculiarity in the Canadian political system, where candidates require letters of support to secure nominations for themselves and their parties.

This is because, given the close-knit community structure among Sikhs, they can effectively secure nominations even in areas where they are not the majority, providing them considerable political power despite their dominance in only eight federal seats; thus, within the Sikh community, Khalistani proponents have the means to advance their agenda.

Canada’s Stance
Prime Minister Trudeau has emphasized Canada’s commitment to “freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and peaceful protest” during a press conference in New Delhi. He added that while they support these freedoms, they are also dedicated to preventing violence and combating hatred, underlining that the actions of a few do not represent the entire community or Canada as a whole.

The Way Forward
This is a complicated issue for India, and addressing this issue requires India to adopt a nuanced diplomatic approach to persuade countries like Canada not to provide a platform for Khalistani outfits.

There is substantial evidence of cooperation between Khalistanis and Pakistani terrorist groups and intelligence agencies. Notably, a 2021 report from the American think tank Hudson Institute highlighted increasing coordination between Khalistanis and Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups.

Also, not to forget China’s role as Pakistan’s steadfast ally and its strategic-security implications for the West, including Canada, Ottawa should view the Khalistani issue as part of the broader China-Pakistan problem. At the same time, it necessitates coordinated efforts among India, the US, and like-minded democracies, as allowing space for Khalistanis damages these collective efforts.

The Last Bit, The rise of Khalistani extremism in Canada is a pressing concern for both India and Canada.
Recent incidents, including controversial parades and stalled trade negotiations, stress the urgency of addressing this issue diplomatically.

While Canada upholds its commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, it is equally vital to prevent violence and combat hatred. India, having faced and eradicated Khalistani terrorism in the past, recognizes the perils of allowing such groups to flourish.

A sophisticated diplomatic approach is essential to persuade countries like Canada not to provide a platform for Khalistani outfits. Cooperation among India, the US, and like-minded democracies is imperative, as allowing space for Khalistanis undermines broader efforts to combat terrorism and maintain international security.

The challenge of Khalistani extremism requires a delicate balance between safeguarding democratic values and preventing the spread of violence.