Title: Canada-India Relations Plunge to New Low Amid Controversy over Sikh Separatists
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NEW DELHI — The recent announcement by Canada implicating India in the killing of a Sikh separatist has sparked turmoil in both countries, revealing deep-rooted tensions. For India, the perception of Canada’s support for Indian separatists has generated significant concern and led to strained relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations on Monday have further exacerbated the existing animosity between India and Canada. Of particular concern for India is the presence of a vocal Sikh separatist minority in Canada, which it strongly objects to.
Former Indian foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, stated, “The support these lawless elements have received under the cover of what you call freedom of expression and democratic rights of citizens has enabled the pursuit of a violent agenda by Khalistani activists in Canada. The choice is Canada’s — it must control such elements with a firm hand and cannot allow them to run free to foster terrorism and violence in our country.”
These allegations have drawn parallels between Canada and Pakistan, both seen by many Indians as harboring Sikh separatists and providing them with refuge, financial support, and weaponry. As a result, many have equated Canada’s actions to those of arch-nemesis Pakistan.
Observers and screenwriters in India have noted a recent shift in Indian cinema, with spy thrillers increasingly showcasing the exploits of the country’s intelligence agency, reinforcing the new image of India as a strong and asserting power. This cultural shift has resonated with the Indian public, fueling a sense of national pride and heightened awareness of the country’s security forces.
The recent developments have also sparked a wave of nationalistic sentiment on social media platforms, with Indian users highlighting Canada’s alleged support for separatist groups and praising Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar for his handling of the diplomatic crisis.
Internationally, these events are likely to garner support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has positioned himself as a strong leader. Rajesh Rajagopalan, an international relations professor, suggests that the Indian public, aware of such developments, feels a sense of satisfaction when their country takes action against its enemies, much like the actions of the US and Israel.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has issued an advisory urging Indians in Canada to exercise caution due to the rise in anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and violence. This situation has also raised concerns among Indian students aspiring to study in Canada about the impact on their future prospects, particularly permanent visas and citizenship.
Critics in India, including those from the corporate sector, have also questioned Canada’s support for individuals viewed as terrorists. These critics highlight the disparity between the treatment of Canadian truckers during protests and alleged support for actual terrorists by political parties in Canada.
The historical context of Sikh militancy in India, particularly the bombing of an Air India flight in 1985, further compounds the distrust between India and Canada, with many Indians holding Canada partly responsible for the prolonged investigation.
India’s new cultural ethos of “muscular nationalism,” depicted in recent Bollywood films, has resonated with audiences and fosters a belief in the justifiability of actions against the country’s perceived enemies. While this sentiment has been embraced by many, it has also led to concerns that all Sikhs may be unfairly stigmatized as separatists.
The controversy surrounding the Sikh separatists has underscored the complexities of Canada-India relations and revealed the deep-rooted tensions between the two nations. With the situation escalating, both countries must find a way to address these concerns and work towards a more constructive and harmonious relationship.
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