The far-reaching impact of the Indian conflict

Diplomatic tensions escalate

Relations between India and Canada have hit a low since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinted that Indian intelligence was involved in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader.

Ảnh hưởng lan rộng từ mâu thuẫn Ấn Độ - Canada - Ảnh 1. — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau *(left)* and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in September

According to AFP, Mr. Nijjar immigrated to Canada in 1997, advocated the establishment of a Sikh state separate from India and was wanted by New Delhi authorities on charges of terrorism and attempted murder. He was shot dead by two masked men in the parking lot of a temple near Vancouver (Canada) in June.

In September, the two sides engaged in a tit-for-tat diplomatic and travel spat following Trudeau’s accusations, which India strongly denied. Earlier this week, Canada announced it was withdrawing 41 diplomats from India, a day before a deadline set by New Delhi, “to ensure the safety” of them and their dependents.

"The stripping of diplomatic immunity from 41 diplomats is not only unprecedented, but also contrary to international law," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said, adding that Ottawa would not respond to avoid escalating the situation.

Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the request to Canada was "within the framework of international norms". "The much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India and their continued interference in our internal affairs require a balance in the reciprocal diplomatic presence," India said.

On October 20, Canada announced that it was temporarily suspending in-person operations at some consulates in the Indian cities of Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Meanwhile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reduced its staff in India from 27 to five, warning that visa processing times could be affected. Earlier, India had temporarily suspended visa issuance in Canada.

'Millions' affected

In a press conference on October 20, Prime Minister Trudeau said that India’s actions against the diplomats have made life difficult for millions of people in both countries as their travel, trade and education will be affected. About 2 million Canadians (5% of the population) have Indian heritage, while Indian students make up the largest group (40%) of foreign students studying in Canada.

Meanwhile, there are concerns that the diplomatic tensions could spill over into trade and investment. However, two senior Indian government sources told Reuters that New Delhi has no plans to impose restrictions on imports or investments from Ottawa. Bilateral trade is expected to total $8 billion in 2022. Canada has invested more than $3.6 billion in India, with more than 40% of that going into services and infrastructure.

In light of these developments, Canada’s two allies, the United States and the United Kingdom, have urged India not to insist on Ottawa reducing its diplomatic presence. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concern about the removal of Canadian diplomats from India, saying Washington and London had urged New Delhi to cooperate in the investigation into Nijjar’s death.

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