Pro-Khalistan Terrorism on Canadian Soil: Unveiling its Threat to India-Canada Relations

The recent expulsion of each other's diplomats by both - India and Canada present a grave threat to the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. These expulsions came amidst the recent calling out of India's diplomats  as 'Persons of Interest' by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the incidence of killing of a Pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year. 

India and Canada, two nations separated by geography but connected through a significant diaspora and shared democratic values, have experienced a deepening of relations in the 21st century. However, the rise of pro-Khalistan terrorism on Canadian soil has created new tensions, shaking the very foundation of diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking to carve out a Sikh state from Indian Punjab, saw its peak in the 1980s with acts of terror in India. Though largely quelled within India, elements sympathetic to the movement have gained traction abroad, especially in Canada, where a significant portion of the Sikh diaspora resides.

This editorial will examine the origins of the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada, its resurgence, and the severe impacts it has had on India-Canada relations in recent times.

The Origins of Khalistan in Canada

The roots of the Khalistan movement can be traced to the 1970s and 1980s when the demand for a separate Sikh state gained momentum in India’s Punjab region. A combination of political, social, and religious factors fueled this demand. As the movement grew, it became associated with militancy, especially after the Indian government’s Operation Blue Star in 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple, one of Sikhism’s holiest sites. This operation, followed by the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, led to communal violence and deepened the rift between Sikh separatists and the Indian state.

During this period, many Sikhs emigrated to countries like Canada, the UK, and the US. Canada, with its liberal immigration policies, became home to one of the largest Sikh diasporas in the world. While many Sikhs settled in Canada for economic and social reasons, a minority began to support the idea of Khalistan, with some even backing its more militant elements. The 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which resulted in the deaths of 329 people, remains a haunting example of how terrorism related to the Khalistan cause extended beyond Indian borders to impact global communities, including Canada.

The Resurgence of Pro-Khalistan Elements in Canada

While the Khalistan movement in India was largely crushed by the early 1990s, its supporters abroad continued to promote the cause, particularly in Canada. Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada have leveraged democratic freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly, to rally support for their separatist agenda. Some of these groups have been accused of using platforms like social media, religious gatherings, and community events to perpetuate anti-India narratives.

Over the years, Canadian politicians, particularly at the provincial level, have been accused of pandering to pro-Khalistan groups to secure Sikh votes. This has emboldened certain factions, allowing them to create a favorable environment for their anti-India rhetoric. Pro-Khalistan parades, the glorification of separatist leaders, and open fundraising efforts for causes linked to the movement have become more frequent. This has raised significant concerns in India, which views such developments as a direct threat to its sovereignty and security.

Diplomatic Strains in Recent Times

The rise of pro-Khalistan terrorism on Canadian soil has increasingly strained India-Canada relations, especially in the past few years. Diplomatic exchanges between the two nations have become tense, with India urging the Canadian government to act against these extremist elements. The Indian government has made it clear that it views Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements as an affront to India’s internal security and territorial integrity.

One notable incident that escalated tensions occurred in 2023, when the Canadian government refused to curb a Khalistan referendum event organized by the banned group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). India strongly condemned the event, calling it a blatant attempt to undermine its sovereignty. In response, Canada defended the event under the banner of free speech, further aggravating the situation. India argued that freedom of speech should not extend to the promotion of terrorism or the glorification of separatist figures involved in violent acts.

The Killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Its Fallout

A significant flashpoint in India-Canada relations came in 2023 with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader based in British Columbia, Canada. Nijjar, who had been designated a terrorist by India, was accused of being involved in several acts of terror on Indian soil and promoting secessionist activities. His killing, which took place near a Sikh temple, sparked outrage among pro-Khalistan groups in Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public accusation in September 2023, suggesting that Indian agents may have been involved in Nijjar’s assassination, sent shockwaves through the international community. While the Canadian government launched an investigation, India vehemently denied any involvement, calling the allegations “absurd and politically motivated.” The fallout from these allegations resulted in a severe diplomatic standoff, with both countries expelling each other’s diplomats.

The Impact on India-Canada Relations

The diplomatic row between India and Canada over pro-Khalistan terrorism has had several far-reaching consequences:

1. Suspension of Diplomatic Ties: In the wake of Nijjar’s killing and the accusations that followed, India temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens. This step was a significant escalation and signaled the growing severity of the dispute. Canadian officials, for their part, warned citizens of increased scrutiny when traveling to India.

2. Economic Fallout: Canada and India have enjoyed robust trade relations, with trade in goods between the two nations reaching approximately $12 billion annually. However, the rising tensions have put several trade deals on hold, including the much-anticipated Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which both countries had been negotiating. The derailment of trade talks could have long-term economic repercussions, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and education.

3. People-to-People Relations: The Sikh diaspora plays a crucial role in Canada’s multicultural fabric. However, the escalation of pro-Khalistan rhetoric and its consequences have begun to create a divide within the diaspora itself. Many Sikhs who do not support the Khalistan movement have expressed concerns about being misrepresented by fringe elements. Additionally, the ongoing tensions could affect the large number of Indian students in Canada, many of whom now face uncertainty regarding their visa status and future prospects.

4. Security Concerns: India has raised alarms about the potential for pro-Khalistan terrorists based in Canada to coordinate and carry out attacks against India or Indian targets globally. The Indian government has increased its intelligence-sharing efforts with other Western nations, hoping to curtail the spread of terrorism linked to the movement. Canada’s perceived laxity in addressing these security concerns has led India to take a more hardline stance in its diplomatic dealings.

5. International Repercussions: The escalating tensions between India and Canada have captured the attention of global powers, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, both of which have significant stakes in maintaining stability within their own Indian and Sikh diasporas. The fallout from the India-Canada rift could complicate diplomatic alignments within multilateral institutions like the G20 and the United Nations.

Canada’s Dilemma: Balancing Democracy and Security

For Canada, the rise of pro-Khalistan terrorism presents a unique challenge. On one hand, the country prides itself on upholding democratic values such as freedom of expression and the right to political dissent. On the other hand, it must reckon with the implications of allowing extremist rhetoric that could fuel terrorism. While many in Canada argue that political expression should not be curtailed, India views the issue through a security lens, emphasizing that any endorsement of the Khalistan movement threatens its national unity.

Canadian political leaders are caught in a difficult balancing act. While they cannot alienate the Sikh community, which holds significant political influence in certain provinces, they must also maintain the integrity of their international relations, particularly with India. This balancing act has often led to accusations of appeasement and selective inaction when it comes to addressing the pro-Khalistan issue.

The Way Forward

The rise of pro-Khalistan terrorism in Canada has deeply impacted India-Canada relations, pushing both nations into a diplomatic quagmire. Moving forward, it is essential for Canada to recognize India’s security concerns while maintaining its commitment to democratic freedoms. A middle ground must be sought that allows for peaceful political expression but clamps down on rhetoric that promotes violence or undermines the sovereignty of other nations.

For India, engaging in constructive dialogue with Canada is crucial, ensuring that diplomatic channels remain open even during crises. Mutual trust can only be restored through cooperation, transparency, and a shared commitment to tackling terrorism in all its forms. Both nations must realize that their partnership, built on shared democratic values, can only thrive when threats like terrorism are decisively addressed.