Jump to content

Canada–India relations: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
mNo edit summary
Further escalations (2024): Remove pro-India skewing. Can go in detail on talk if requested. But for example, the statement that Trudeau said he only had "intelligence" omits that fact the he contextualized the statement with "at that time" meaning the (northern) summer of 2023.
Tag: Reverted
Line 85: Line 85:
In April 2024, the Canadian deputy high commissioner was summoned by India after separatist slogans supporting a Sikh homeland were allegedly raised at a [[Vaisakhi]] event addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau.<ref>{{cite news|title=India protests alleged Sikh separatist slogans at event attended by Trudeau|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=30 April 2024|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923040350/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2024, Modi and Trudeau met briefly at the [[50th G7 summit|G7 summit in Italy]], signaling a resumption of dialogue and a reduction in diplomatic tensions.<ref>{{cite news|title=G7 Summit: Modi seizes center stage to ambush Biden, Trudeau|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/g7-summit-modi-seizes-center-stage-to-ambush-biden-trudeau-3068143|access-date=1 July 2024|date=15 June 2024|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|archive-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042346/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/g7-summit-modi-seizes-center-stage-to-ambush-biden-trudeau-3068143|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 June 2024 |title=Committed to working together on key issues: Trudeau after meeting with PM Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=[[India Today]] |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616015752/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> International relations experts have called for Canada and India to find a way forward in their relations due to their engagement in a broad range of geopolitical issues and India's importance for the United States and Canada in their [[Indo-Pacific]] strategy.<ref>{{cite web|date=27 September 2023|title=Canada Institute Experts React to the India-Canada Dispute|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute|access-date=31 October 2023|work=[[Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars]]|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103103259/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute|url-status=live}}</ref>
In April 2024, the Canadian deputy high commissioner was summoned by India after separatist slogans supporting a Sikh homeland were allegedly raised at a [[Vaisakhi]] event addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau.<ref>{{cite news|title=India protests alleged Sikh separatist slogans at event attended by Trudeau|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=30 April 2024|access-date=15 October 2024|archive-date=23 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923040350/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/30/india-protests-alleged-sikh-separatist-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2024, Modi and Trudeau met briefly at the [[50th G7 summit|G7 summit in Italy]], signaling a resumption of dialogue and a reduction in diplomatic tensions.<ref>{{cite news|title=G7 Summit: Modi seizes center stage to ambush Biden, Trudeau|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/g7-summit-modi-seizes-center-stage-to-ambush-biden-trudeau-3068143|access-date=1 July 2024|date=15 June 2024|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|archive-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616042346/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/g7-summit-modi-seizes-center-stage-to-ambush-biden-trudeau-3068143|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 June 2024 |title=Committed to working together on key issues: Trudeau after meeting with PM Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=[[India Today]] |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616015752/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-justin-trudeau-meeting-g7-summit-committed-working-together-khalistan-nijjar-dimplomatic-row-2553789-2024-06-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> International relations experts have called for Canada and India to find a way forward in their relations due to their engagement in a broad range of geopolitical issues and India's importance for the United States and Canada in their [[Indo-Pacific]] strategy.<ref>{{cite web|date=27 September 2023|title=Canada Institute Experts React to the India-Canada Dispute|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute|access-date=31 October 2023|work=[[Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars]]|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103103259/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/canada-institute-experts-react-india-canada-dispute|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 12 October 2024, Canadian officials informed [[Ajit Doval]], India's [[National Security Advisor]], that the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other diplomats were persons of interest in various investigations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/14/canada-modi-sikhs-violence-india/|title=Canada alleges much wider campaign by Modi government against Sikhs|date=14 October 2024|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> Despite Canada's claim that it had expelled six Indian diplomats,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/38418/Canadian_Charge_dAffaires_summoned_by_MEA|title=Canadian Charge d'Affaires summoned by MEA|date=14 October 2024|publisher=[[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs, India]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-expels-indian-high-commissioner-five-other-diplomats-india-says-it-rejects-preposterous-imputations/article_d17db700-8a4b-11ef-bc06-3b4aeb86095c.html|date=14 October 2024|title=Canada coercively said it expels Indian high commissioner, five other diplomats|work=[[Toronto Star]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> India stated that it had already withdrawn the diplomats and also expelled six Canadian diplomats from India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/38420/India_expels_Canadian_diplomats|title=India expels Canadian diplomats|date=14 October 2024|work=[[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs, India]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-10-17 |title=26 extradition requests pending with Canada: India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-canada-row-india-says-26-extradition-requests-pending-with-canada/article68765573.ece |access-date=2024-10-19 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
On 12 October 2024, Canadian officials informed [[Ajit Doval]], India's [[National Security Advisor]], that the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other diplomats were persons of interest in the Nijjar murder and asked for their diplomatic and consular immunity to be removed so as to cooperate in the investigation.<ref name="WaPo20-10-15">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/14/canada-modi-sikhs-violence-india/|title=Canada alleges much wider campaign by Modi government against Sikhs|date=14 October 2024|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref name="TorStar24-20-14">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-and-india-each-expel-six-diplomats-amid-murder-investigation-of-sikh-activist-in-b/article_d17db700-8a4b-11ef-bc06-3b4aeb86095c.html|date=14 October 2024|title=Canada and India each expel six diplomats amid murder investigation of Sikh activist in B.C.|work=[[Toronto Star]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> Canadian minister of Foreign Affairs [[Mélanie Joly]] said that India did not agree to this, and the diplomats were served with notices of expulsion.<ref name="TorStar24-20-14" /> India released a conflicting statement saying that it had instead withdrawn the diplomats out of safety concerns,<ref name="WaPo20-10-15" /> but later announced a tit-for-tat expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.<ref name="TorStar24-20-14" /><ref name="WaPo20-10-15" />


Canadian officials said they had evidence of the involvement of the Indian government in various home invasions, drive-by shootings, arson and two homicides, those of Nijjar and of Sukhdool Singh, shot in [[Winnipeg]] on 20 September 2023. They revealed that Indian diplomats intimidated and coerced Canadians, who were seeking immigration documents and/or had family ties in India, to gather intelligence for the Indian Intelligence agency [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW]] and to surveil targets, who were then attacked by a gang led by [[Lawrence Bishnoi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/rcmp-statement-violent-criminal-activity-occurring-canada-connections-agents-the|title=RCMP statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India|date=14 October 2024|work=[[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-india-diplomats-expelled-rcmp/|title=Indian government officials allegedly linked to homicides, extortions and coercion in Canada, pose threat to public safety, says RCMP|date=14 October 2024|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> The [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] claimed to have arrested several people in connection with the case, some of whom they claimed to have had links to the Government of India. They also said to have alerted twelve Canadian residents of Indian descent based on credible evidence that they could be targeted by Indian agents and encouraged people with information to come forward to help with the investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-expels-6-indian-diplomats-rcmp-alleges-serious-criminal-activity-1.7351837|title=Canada expels 6 Indian diplomats, RCMP alleges 'serious criminal activity'|date=14 October 2024|work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tunney|first=Catharine|date=15 October 2024|title=Top Mountie urges Sikh community to come forward as RCMP pushes ahead on India probe|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-violence-alelgations-rcmp-1.7352396 |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> However, at a parliamentary inquiry on foreign interference on 16 October, Trudeau said that Canada did not have “hard evidentiary proof” and only intelligence that India were involved in the murder of Nijjar.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/had-no-evidence-only-intel-before-going-public-with-nijjar-allegations-trudeau-9624102/|title=Had no evidence, only intel on Nijjar killing before going public, admits Trudeau|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=17 October 2024|access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref> The Indian Government pointed to the statement and blamed Trudeau for the straining of the ties between the countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mea-hits-back-after-justin-trudeau-admits-canada-had-no-hard-evidentiary-proof-linking-india-to-hardeep-nijjar-killing-101729122384347.html|title=MEA hits back after Justin Trudeau admits Canada had 'no hard evidentiary proof' linking India to Hardeep Nijjar killing|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|date=17 October 2024|access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-canada-row-justin-trudeau-ministry-of-external-affairs-mea-hardeep-singh-nijjar-murder-probe-2618149-2024-10-17|title=India calls out Trudeau's cavalier behaviour after he admits to no proof on Nijjar|work=[[India Today]]|date=17 October 2024|access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref>
Canadian officials said they had evidence of the involvement of the Indian government in various home invasions, drive-by shootings, arson and two homicides, those of Nijjar and of Sukhdool Singh, shot in [[Winnipeg]] on 20 September 2023. They said that Indian diplomats intimidated and coerced Canadians, who were seeking immigration documents and/or had family ties in India, to gather intelligence for the Indian Intelligence agency [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW]] and to surveil targets, who were then attacked by a gang led by [[Lawrence Bishnoi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/rcmp-statement-violent-criminal-activity-occurring-canada-connections-agents-the|title=RCMP statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India|date=14 October 2024|work=[[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-india-diplomats-expelled-rcmp/|title=Indian government officials allegedly linked to homicides, extortions and coercion in Canada, pose threat to public safety, says RCMP|date=14 October 2024|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> The [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] said they had arrested several people in connection with the case, some of whom they alleged to have had links to the Government of India. They also said to have alerted twelve Canadian residents of Indian descent based on credible evidence that they could be targeted by Indian agents and encouraged people with information to come forward to help with the investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-expels-6-indian-diplomats-rcmp-alleges-serious-criminal-activity-1.7351837|title=Canada expels 6 Indian diplomats, RCMP alleges 'serious criminal activity'|date=14 October 2024|work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tunney|first=Catharine|date=15 October 2024|title=Top Mountie urges Sikh community to come forward as RCMP pushes ahead on India probe|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-violence-alelgations-rcmp-1.7352396 |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref>


== Diplomatic missions ==
== Diplomatic missions ==

Revision as of 17:53, 19 October 2024

Canada–India relations
Map indicating locations of India and Canada

India

Canada
Diplomatic mission
High Commission of India, OttawaHigh Commission of Canada, New Delhi
Envoy
High Commissioner of India to Canada
Vacant[1]
High Commissioner of Canada to India
Vacant [2]

Canada and India have had bilateral relations since the 19th century. Both are member nations of the Commonwealth of Nations and are part of G20, a group of world's largest economies. In 2023, bilateral trade between the countries was valued at $9.36 billion with the Indian exports to Canada worth $5.56 billion and Canadian exports to India valued at $3.80 billion.

The Indian emigration to Canada started in the late 19th century, when Indians took up jobs in Canada. The Canadian Government established quotas initially but the immigration to Canada increased multi-fold in the 1970s and 1980s. India has become one of the top source countries for immigration to Canada with Indian diaspora and according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, of the more than 800,000 international students in Canada in 2022, 40 percent were from India, constituting the largest international student group in Canada. After Indian Independence in 1947, the relation between the countries were furthered with Canada keen to act as a bridge between India and the Western World. The Canadian foreign aid to India started in 1951 and grew substantially under the Colombo Plan. Though there was a convergence of interest of both the countries in the 1950s, the views of the countries began to deviate in the 1960s. Canada reacted negatively after the Canadian-supplied nuclear reactor was used for India's first nuclear test in May 1974. The bombing of Air India Flight 182 in June 1985 and the events surrounding it, further led to misunderstandings between the two countries.

After the economic liberalisation policies of India in the 1990s, it attracted the Canadian government and the business community back to India. Bilateral visits by leaders of both countries furthered business deals and interests in other areas. However, the relationship was short lived, with Canada imposing further sanctions on India following India's second nuclear test in May 1998. The relations briefly recovered after the sanctions were lifted in 2001. The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a leap in the relationship between the countries, with the singing of Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in 2010 and other agreements.

While Canada and India have a broad-based relationship, their ties have often been strained by Sikh separatists that are affiliated with the Khalistan movement, calling for an independent Punjabi Sikh nation-state in India. Diplomatic tensions were triggered after 2023 Sikh protests and Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of alleged pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023. Both the sides expelled diplomats and warned against traveling to the other country. The Indian government claimed that Canada has not provided any evidence while Canada has contended that it was provided intelligence on the same by US intelligence agencies. After a brief thaw in the relationship, both the countries expelled six diplomats each in another stand-off in October 2024.

History

British empire (19th century)

In the early 19th century, Canada and India were part of the British Empire.[3][4] The Indo-Canadian community was formed in the late 19th century due to the Indian emigration to Canada, majority of whom were Punjabis, which included veterans of the British Indian Army.[5] When the British Crown took over India, Queen Victoria proclaimed that Indians would enjoy equal privileges across the British Empire without discrimination.[6] The Indian emigrants settled mostly in the sparsely populated Western Canada and took up jobs such as law enforcement officers and lumberjacks. However, the race relations with white Canadians were strained as the socioeconomic systems ensured racial discrimination and minimal direct contact by setting up various barriers.[7] Though initially reluctant to go to these countries due to the racial discrimination, many young men chose to go upon the assurance that they would not meet the same fate in the early 20th century.[6] Canadian Government quotas were established to cap the number of Indians allowed to immigrate to Canada in the early 20th century and only allowed fewer than 100 people from India a year until 1957, when it was marginally increased to 300 people a year.[8]

Independent nations (1947–1950s)

Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at the House of Commons of Canada after a joint-address to the Canadian parliament, 1949

After Indian Independence, the relation between the countries were furthered.[9][10] Canada worked on creating an intercontinental group within the Commonwealth of Nations and was keen to act as a bridge between the newly independent Afro-Asian states and the Western World. India being the world's largest democracy became a key partner for Canada. The bilateral relationship was furthered by the personal relationship between Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Canadian Prime Ministers Louis St. Laurent and Lester Pearson.[9] Nehru addressed a joint session of the Canadian Parliament on 24 October 1949.[11] The Canadian foreign aid to India started in 1951 and Canada started to provide aid for smaller projects in 1955-56, which grew substantially under the Colombo Plan. Canada supported the Kundah hydro-electric project project and aero-surveys in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.[12][13] During the Cold War, though Canada was favorable towards the United States, it pursued independent relation with India while the US aided Pakistan. As per Escott Reid, who was the High Commissioner for Canada to India from 1953 to 1957, the countries had "a special relationship" during the 1950s.[9]

Growing differences (1960s-1980s)

Though there was a convergence of interest of both the countries, the views of the countries on major events such as the Korean War, Suez Crisis and Soviet intervention in Hungary and Canada's position on the Kashmir conflict.[9][10] Though both the countries pursued increased cooperation with the establishment of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute to promote academic relations in 1968 and the Canadian visit of Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi in June 1973, the relations soured further in the late 1970s.[12][11] For India's first nuclear test in May 1974, the fissionable material for the nuclear device was synthesized with the Canadian-supplied CIRUS nuclear research reactor.[14] Canada reacted negatively towards the same, especially in light of then ongoing negotiations on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the economic aid it had provided to India. Canada concluded that the test violated a 1971 understanding between the two states, and froze nuclear energy assistance for the two heavy water reactors then under construction. It resolved to engage in nuclear cooperation only with countries which signed the Treaty on the NPT and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and which instituted full-scope safeguards on their nuclear energy programmes under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).[15] India had refused to sign the NPT, and voted against the UN General Assembly Resolutions which they assert violates its sovereign right to choose whether or not to sign such treaties.[16][17] In the late 1970s, Canada focused on improving relations within the Western World while India pursued its own regional alliances.[9]

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a memorial for the Air India Flight 182 in Toronto, 2015

On 23 June 1985, Air India Flight 182 from Montreal to Mumbai, disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean as a result of an explosion from a bomb planted by Canada based Sikh terrorists and resulted in the deaths of 329 people.[18][19][20] The Canadian government had been warned by the Indian R&AW about the possibility of terrorist attacks, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service(CSIS) was accused of not acting on it. In his verdict, Justice Ian Josephson cited "unacceptable negligence" by CSIS when evidence on the suspects and other informants were destroyed.[21][22][23] The Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau turned down Indian requests for extradition of the Canadian nationals suspected to be involved in the bombing.[12]

Despite the differences between the countries, the Indian immigration continued in the 1970s and 1980s. South Asian population in Canada grew from 7,000 in 1961 to 67,900 in 1971 and more than 200,000 South Asians came to Canada between 1971 and 1982, majority of them being of Indian origin.[9]

Brief recovery and further disagreements (1990s)

After the economic liberalisation policies of India in the 1990s, it attracted the Canadian government and the business community.[12] After Jean Chrétien became the Prime Minister of Canada in 1993, it pursued renewed relations with India. In October 1994, Canadian minister Roy MacLaren visited India with a large trade delegation and proclaimed India to be "one of the most promising markets in the Asia-Pacific region for Canadian business."[9] Bilateral visits by Chrétien along with a trade delegation in January 1996, a first by a Canadian Prime Minster in more than 25 years, and further visits by ministers of both the countries led to signing of business deals more than $3.4 billion and furthered the business interests.[24] The two countries signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in 1994, which was operationalised in 1998 and the Indian Space Research Organisation and Canadian Space Agency signed two agreements in the field of exploration of outer space in October 1996.[25] Canada and India agreed to a bilateral dialogue on combating terrorism, including the annual Canada-India Strategic Dialogue and the Canada-India working group on counter terrorism was established subsequently in 1997.[25][26][27]

After India's second nuclear test in May 1998, Canada reacted negatively similar to its reaction to the earlier nuclear test. Canada suspended trade talks, recalled its envoy to India, paused weapon exports to India and opposed any non-humanitarian aid by the World Bank. Canadian foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy sought further sanctions on India and termed it as the "use the tools of soft power to demon- strate that security is better achieved through multilateral ventures than the attainment of nuclear capabilities". Canada refused to engage with India and discuss on the nuclear policies, while India remained committed to its nuclear policy. In 1998, India contributed to just 0.1% of Canada’s exports and 0.3% of its imports. India’s exports to Canada were only 1.6% of its total exports, and its imports from Canada were only 0.8% of its total imports. More than $3 billion worth of economic projects stagnated and Canada ranked low amongst the foreign inves- tors in India, with only a 1.4% share.[9]

New beginning (early 21st century)

Axworthy's succesor John Manley, who had personal connections with India, viewed India as a major partner and removed most of the Candian sanctions in 2001. With further visits by ministers of both countries, it was agreed between the leaders of both the countries to triple the existing trade. But the rise of terrorist attacks which occupied Canada's attention, the view of Manley's successor Bill Graham, who viewed trade with Africa and Latin America as priority, meant that the relationship did not progress much further.[9]

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during Harper's visit to India in 2012.

After Stephen Harper became the Prime Minister of Canada, Canada sought to increase its ties with India. Twenty Canadian ministers visited India in the late 2000s including an official visit by Prime Minister Harper in November 2009. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Canada in June 2010, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Canada since 1973. Both the countries sought to expand the bilateral relations across various sectors including education, energy, science and technology, culture, agriculture and the environment and multiple agreement on social security, foreign investment and economic partnership were agreed. The year 2011 was designated as the "Year of India in Canada" by both the governments.[12][26][28]

Signing of the India-Canada nuclear agreement in 2010.

In 2010, the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement was signed between the two countries, which was followed by a renewed agreement in 2015 to supply 3000 metric tons of Uranium concentrate to India under a five-year contract.[29] The bilateral trade increased to $4.2 billion in 2010, a 46% increase from 2005. The foreign direct investment between Canada and India reached $3.6 billion of which nearly $3.0 billion were Canadian investments in India. More than 100 bilateral agreements were signed between Canadian and Indian institutes and nearly 12,000 students traveled to Canada for higher education in 2011.[26][28]

Trudeau premiership (2015-present)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Trudeau's official visit to India in 2018.

Justin Trudeau became the Canadian Prime Minister in 2015.[30] He spent a week in India on a state visit in February 2018. A new agreement on education was signed and the India-Canada Consular Dialogue was established to sort diplomatic issues between the nations. Further agreements were signed in areas such as sport, information and communication technology, science and innovation and civil nuclear cooperation.[25] During Trudeau's visit, he participated in a function in which Jaspal Atwal, a convict in the attempted murder of then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in 1986, also took part and drew criticism in India.[31]

In 2019, Canada's Public Safety Department identified Sikh extremism as one the country's top terror threats, which was however omitted from further reports following protests from some of the Sikh community. Canada has the largest Sikh population outside India and Sikhs account for nearly 2 percent of Canada’s population.[32][33] Omer Aziz, a former foreign policy advisor in the Trudeau government, claimed that the Sikh voting bloc influenced the government's policy making decisions and cited it as a reason why Canada ignored India's demands to crack down on financing from Khalistan supporters. The Indian government criticized the move and Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh claimed that Trudeau "succumbed to domestic political pressure" and that the move was a threat to global security.[34][35]

In December 2020, Trudeau expressed concerns about the handling of farmer protests by the Indian government.[36] He stated that "Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protestors" and expressed support for "the process of dialogue."[37] India protested against the remarks and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that Trudeau's comments were "an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs".[38]

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, of the more than 800,000 international students in Canada in 2022, 40 percent were from India, constituting the largest international student group in Canada.[39][40]

Diplomatic stand-off (2023)

In March 2023, Canada's High Commissioner was summoned by India to "convey strong concern" over Sikh protesters in Canada and the security breach of India's diplomatic mission and consulates.[41] The tensions between the countries were fueled by disagreements over the separatist Khalistan movement and its active supporters.[42] In September 2023, during the G20 summit in New Delhi, Canada and India did not have a one-on-one meeting but instead met on the sidelines. While the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed concerns about the protests in Canada.[43][44]

In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in Canada.[45][46] On 18 September 2023, in an address in the House of Commons, Trudeau informed that the Canadian security agencies were actively pursuing allegations of potential involvement of Government of India in the killing of Nijjar. He stated that he had presented the accusations directly to Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi and that Canada would not accept any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil while urging the Indian government to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.[47][48][49] India rejected Trudeau's allegations stating that the claims are "absurd and motivated", which had been conveyed by Modi to Trudeau earlier. It also stated that such allegations were a ploy to shift the focus from the Khalistani terrorists operating from Canada, who threaten India's sovereignty and urged Canada to take action against them.[50][51]

This led to a prolonged diplomatic stand-off between the countries.[52][53][54] Canada paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India and announced the postponement of an October trade mission to India.[55][56] Both the countries expelled diplomatic staff, claiming interference in the other's internal affairs.[57][58][59] On 20 September 2023, India warned its citizens against traveling to Canada due to "growing anti-India activities" and Canadian minister Dominic LeBlanc responded saying "Canada is a safe country".[60][61][62][63] On 21 September 2023, India announced the temporary suspension of issuance of visas for all Canadian nationals due to "security threats" against its diplomats.[64][65][66] On 24 September 2023, Canada updated its travel advisory for India, advising its citizens there to "exercise caution" due to "negative sentiment towards Canada".[67][68] The Indian government claimed that Canada has not provided any evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's death.[69] Canada has contended that it was provided intelligence on the same by US intelligence agencies.[70] Concerns were voiced within Canada with members such as the Premier of British Columbia David Eby voicing out suspicion that the federal government is holding back information.[71][72][73] Balraj Singh, son of Hardeep Nijjar, said his father had been meeting with Canadian Security Intelligence Service officers before the murder and according to a report by The Economic Times, Nijjar was suspected to be an asset for Canadian security services.[74][75]

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar raised concern over the incidents of threats to Indian diplomats and attacks on Indian consulates, stating that these are very permissive because of political reasons. He assured that the Indian side will take action if the Canadian side provides specific information in connection with Nijjar's killing.[76][77] There were further statements by leaders of the Khalistan movement threatening Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada.[78][79] The Indian government also instructed its investigative agencies to identify all Khalistan supporters in Canada, and canceled their Overseas Citizenship of India card to prevent them from entering India, in addition to confiscating their assets in India.[80][81][82][83] In early October, India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country and threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of diplomats who would remain after a certain date.[84][85][86] Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada will temporarily close three consulates in India and there would be delays in processing of visas.[87]

Leaders of various nations released statements expressing concern on the stand-off.[88][89][90][91] According to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, "this may be the lowest level to which this relationship has sunk. It won't be easy to return to the old normal anytime soon".[92] In November 2023, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, India availed the Universal Periodic Review of the human rights records of Canada to request Canada to “prevent misuse of freedom of expression for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups which are promoting extremism”.[93]

Further escalations (2024)

In April 2024, the Canadian deputy high commissioner was summoned by India after separatist slogans supporting a Sikh homeland were allegedly raised at a Vaisakhi event addressed by Prime Minister Trudeau.[94] In June 2024, Modi and Trudeau met briefly at the G7 summit in Italy, signaling a resumption of dialogue and a reduction in diplomatic tensions.[95][96] International relations experts have called for Canada and India to find a way forward in their relations due to their engagement in a broad range of geopolitical issues and India's importance for the United States and Canada in their Indo-Pacific strategy.[97]

On 12 October 2024, Canadian officials informed Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, that the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other diplomats were persons of interest in the Nijjar murder and asked for their diplomatic and consular immunity to be removed so as to cooperate in the investigation.[98][99] Canadian minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly said that India did not agree to this, and the diplomats were served with notices of expulsion.[99] India released a conflicting statement saying that it had instead withdrawn the diplomats out of safety concerns,[98] but later announced a tit-for-tat expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.[99][98]

Canadian officials said they had evidence of the involvement of the Indian government in various home invasions, drive-by shootings, arson and two homicides, those of Nijjar and of Sukhdool Singh, shot in Winnipeg on 20 September 2023. They said that Indian diplomats intimidated and coerced Canadians, who were seeking immigration documents and/or had family ties in India, to gather intelligence for the Indian Intelligence agency RAW and to surveil targets, who were then attacked by a gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi.[100][101] The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they had arrested several people in connection with the case, some of whom they alleged to have had links to the Government of India. They also said to have alerted twelve Canadian residents of Indian descent based on credible evidence that they could be targeted by Indian agents and encouraged people with information to come forward to help with the investigation.[102][103]

Diplomatic missions

Canadian High Commission in New Delhi (left) and Indian High Commission in Ottawa

As both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, Canada and India exchange High Commissioners.[104]

  • Canada:[105]
    • High commission in New Delhi
    • Consulates-general in Bangalore, Chandigarh and Mumbai
  • India:[106]
    • High commission in Ottawa
    • Consulates-general in Toronto and Vancouver

Trade

Preneet Kaur (right), the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs signs a MoU with Ed Fast (left), the Canadian Minister of International Trade in the presence of the Prime Ministers of both the countries in 2012.

In 2023, bilateral trade between India and Canada was valued at $9.36 billion with the Indian exports to Canada worth $5.56 billion and Canadian exports to India valued at $3.80 billion.[25] In July 2024, India accounted for 0.74% ($0.74 billion) of Canada's total trade of $99.04 billion and Canada accounted for 0.82% of India's total trade of $90.14 billion.[107][108][109] The major Indian exports included pharmaceuticals, telephones, automobile parts, sea food, electrical components, and jewelry, while Canada's main exports included coal briquettes, wood pulp, iron ore, legumes, and paper.[107][110] The countries held discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in the 2010s and the volume of trade between the two countries has grew steadily over the last decade.[111][112]

Merchandise trade between India and Canada (2022)[107]
Canadian exports Indian exports
Merchandise Value ($ billion) % Merchandise Value ($ billion) %
Mineral fuel and oils 1.12 26.2 Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals 0.91 16.9
Fertilizer 0.77 17.8 Textiles 0.75 13.9
Paper 0.65 15.1 Machineries and electronics 0.68 12.6
Food products 0.31 7.1 Iron and steel 0.62 11.7
Aircraft 0.24 5.5 Jewellery 0.36 6.5
Iron and steel 0.23 5.3 Automobile parts 0.30 5.6
Others 1.75 41.0 Others 1.75 32.5
Total 4.32 100% Total 5.37 100%

Air connectivity

As of 2024, Air Canada operates non-stop flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to Delhi, and from Toronto to Mumbai.[113][114] In September 2019, Air India resumed its non-stop flights from Delhi to Toronto, and began scheduled flights from Delhi to Vancouver in October 2020.[115] In May 2022, Indian aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia met with Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra to discuss an open skies treaty, which would allow unlimited flights between the two countries.[116][117][118]

See also

References

  1. ^ "India recalls its Envoy and diplomats".
  2. ^ "India expels Canadian Diplomats".
  3. ^ "The Union of Canada". Britannica. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  4. ^ "British Raj". Britannica. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  5. ^ Buchignani, Norman (12 May 2010). "South Asian Canadians". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  6. ^ a b Singh, Khushwant (26 February – 12 March 1961). "The Ghadr Rebellion". Illustrated Weekly of India: Feb 26 – Mar 12. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  7. ^ Unoki, Ko (2022). Racism, Diplomacy, and International Relations. Routledge. p. 60. ISBN 978-1-000-54154-0.
  8. ^ "Sikh Candian History". ExplorAsian. Archived from the original on 2 July 2006. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Arthur G. Rubinoff (December 2002). "Canada's re-engagement with India" (PDF). Asian Survey. 42 (6). University of California Press: 837-849. doi:10.1525/as.2002.42.6.838. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  10. ^ a b Willis C. Armstrong (September 1988). "Hungary and Suez 1956: A View from New Delhi by Escott Reid". The Canadian Historical Review. 69. University of Toronto Press: 405-406.
  11. ^ a b "Heads of States and Governments who have addressed joint sessions of the senate and house of Commons of Canada". Archived from the original on 11 November 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2011.
  12. ^ a b c d e "Canada catastrophe with India". The New Indian Express. 13 July 2024. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  13. ^ "Documents on Canadian External Relations". Foreign affairs and International Trade, Canada. Archived from the original on 25 April 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  14. ^ Sublette, Carey. "Origins of Indian nuclear program". Nuclear weapon Archive. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  15. ^ "Ripples in the nuclear pond". The Deseret News. 22 May 1974. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  16. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 52 Resolution A/RES/52/38 page 16.
  17. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 52 Verbatim 67. A/52/PV.67 9 December 1997.
  18. ^ Bell, Stewart (2014). "Leadership and the Toronto 18". In Bruce Hoffman; Fernando Reinares (eds.). The Evolution of the Global Terrorist Threat: From 9/11 to Osama bin Laden's Death. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-231-16898-4.
  19. ^ Weston, Keith (2012). "Counter-Terrorism Policing and the Rule of Law: The Best of Friends". In Ana Salinas de Frías; Katja Samuel; Nigel White (eds.). Counter-Terrorism: International Law and Practice. Oxford University Press. p. 335. ISBN 978-0-19960-892-8.
  20. ^ Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Bombing of Air India Flight 182 (Canada) ; Major, John Charles (2010). Air India Flight 182: A Canadian Tragedy. Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Bombing of Air India Flight 182. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-66019-926-9.
  21. ^ "The Air India Trial" (PDF). University of Toronto Faculty of Law. June 2005. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 June 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  22. ^ Mitrovica, Andrew; Sallot, Jeff (26 January 2000). "CSIS agent destroyed Air-India evidence". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
  23. ^ Noronha, Charmaine (17 June 2010). "Canadian officials dropped ball before Air India bombing, inquiry finds". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 27 June 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  24. ^ "Chrétien Visits India". Canadian Encyclopedia. 17 March 2003. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  25. ^ a b c d Indian Canada bilateral brief (PDF). Government of India (Report). Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  26. ^ a b c "Canada–India Relations". Government of Canada. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  27. ^ "Joint Statement India-Canada Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism". Government of India. 11 December 2002. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  28. ^ a b "The Year of India in Canada 2011". Canada.ca. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  29. ^ Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy (14 July 2018). "First tranche of Canadian uranium for India's nuclear reactors arrives after four decades". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  30. ^ "Justin Trudeau signals new style on 1st day as Canada's 23rd prime minister". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 4 November 2015. Archived from the original on 4 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  31. ^ "What we know about Jaspal Atwal". National Post. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  32. ^ Pietsch, Bryan (20 September 2023). "How Canada got caught up in the Sikh struggle in India". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  33. ^ Mashal, Mujib; Kumar, Hari; Raj, Suhasini (19 September 2023). "Canada's Startling Claim Punctuates Tension With India Over Separatists". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 4 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  34. ^ "A year after Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death, mysteries remain about how he really lived". The Globe and Mail. 22 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  35. ^ "Canada drops reference to 'Sikh extremism' from terrorism threat report, Punjab CM protests". Scroll.in. 14 April 2019. Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  36. ^ "'We are very worried': Canada PM Trudeau backs farmer protests in India". The Week. 1 December 2020. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  37. ^ Roy, Shubhajit (1 December 2020). "Canada's Justin Trudeau backs farmers' protests; India says remarks 'ill-informed'". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  38. ^ Bhattacharjee, Kallol (4 December 2020). "Farmers' protest | India summons Canadian High Commissioner; issues demarche over Trudeau's remarks". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  39. ^ "India-Canada row: How Indian students contribute crores every year to Canada's economy". Firstpost. 25 September 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  40. ^ "India can hit Canada where it hurts the most". India Today. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  41. ^ "India summons Canada High Commissioner, concerned over anti india protesters". Reuters. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  42. ^ "What is the Khalistan movement? How is it linked to India-Canada tensions?". Al Jazeera. 27 September 2023. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  43. ^ "Modi scolds Trudeau over Sikh protests in Canada against India". Reuters. 11 September 2023. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  44. ^ Tasker, John Paul (19 September 2023). "Trudeau accuses India's government of involvement in killing of Canadian Sikh leader". CBC News. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  45. ^ "Nijjar's killing to Trudeau's allegations: A timeline of how the India-Canada diplomatic row escalated". Financial Express. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  46. ^ "India-Canada row: Diplomatic standoff continues over Nijjar killing". Livemint. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  47. ^ Austen, Ian; Isai, Vjosa (18 September 2023). "Justin Trudeau Accuses India of a Killing on Canadian Soil". New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  48. ^ Ling, Justin (19 September 2023). "Trudeau Says India Likely Behind Murder of Canadian Sikh Leader". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  49. ^ "Trudeau accuses India's government of involvement in killing of Canadian Sikh leader". CBC News. 18 September 2023. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  50. ^ Rajesh, Y. P.; Dayal, Sakshi (19 September 2023). "India rejects Canada's suspicions on role in Sikh leader's murder". Reuters. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  51. ^ Coletta, Amanda; Shih, Gerry; Mehrotra, Karishma (19 September 2023). "India expels Canadian diplomat as dispute over alleged assassination escalates". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  52. ^ Mogul, Rhea; Newton, Paula (18 September 2023). "India expels Canadian diplomat in tit-for-tat move as row over assassinated Sikh activist deepens". CNN. Archived from the original on 18 September 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  53. ^ "Tensions are high between Canada and India. Here's why". CBC. 23 October 2023. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  54. ^ "Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Why Western nations fear India-Canada row". BBC News. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  55. ^ "In surprise move, Canada pauses talks on trade treaty with India". Reuters. 1 September 2023. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  56. ^ "Canada hits pause on trade mission to India after tensions at G20 summit". Al Jazeera. 15 September 2023. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  57. ^ "Canada has expelled a 'top' Indian diplomat. Who is Pavan Kumar Rai?". Global News. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  58. ^ "India expels Canadian diplomat, escalating tensions after Trudeau accuses India in Sikh's killing". AP News. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  59. ^ "In tit-for-tat move, India asks Canada diplomat to leave country in 5 days". Al Jazeera. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 22 September 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  60. ^ Thanthong-Knight, Randy (20 September 2023). "India Strikes at Canada With Warning to Students, Immigrants". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  61. ^ Tan, Clement (20 September 2023). "India urges 'utmost caution' in Canada travel advisory as bilateral crisis escalates". CNBC. Archived from the original on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  62. ^ "India warns travellers to Canada of 'politically-condoned' violence as diplomatic row worsens". CBC News. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  63. ^ "Canada rejects Indian travel advisory amid probe of Sikh leader killing". Al Jazeera. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  64. ^ Raj, Suhasini; Zhuang, Yan (21 September 2023). "India Suspends Visas for Canadians, Escalating Clash Over Sikh's Killing". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  65. ^ "India suspends visas for Canadian nationals as diplomatic spat deepens". CNN. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  66. ^ "India suspends 'all categories' of visas for Canada citizens amid diplomatic row". The Independent. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  67. ^ "Canada warns its citizens to 'remain vigilant' in India travel advisory". The Independent. 26 September 2023. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  68. ^ "Canada travel advisory to India updated to include protests, 'negative sentiments'". CTVNews. 25 September 2023. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  69. ^ "Why Canada is getting muted support from allies on allegation against India". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  70. ^ Barnes, Julian E.; Austen, Ian (23 September 2023). "U.S. Provided Canada With Intelligence on Killing of Sikh Leader". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  71. ^ "B.C. Premier calls for federal transparency regarding Indian foreign interference". Global News. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  72. ^ "British Columbia Premier Calls Out Canada PM Trudeau For 'Holding Back' Info On Nijjar". Times Now. 24 September 2023. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  73. ^ "India-Canada tension: Info I got on Nijjar killing available on internet, frustrating, claims Canada leader". Business Today. 23 September 2023. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  74. ^ "India-Canada row: Hardeep Singh Nijjar met Canadian intelligence officers every week before death, says son". The Economic Times. 28 September 2023. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  75. ^ "Khalistani extremist Nijjar was an 'asset of Canada's Intelligence Services'?". Livemint. 29 September 2023. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  76. ^ ""Organised Crime, Extremism...": S Jaishankar's Sharp Attack On Canada". NDTV. 27 September 2023. Archived from the original on 6 January 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  77. ^ Lakshman, Sriram (26 September 2023). "Told Canada it is not government policy: Jaishankar on Nijjar killing". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  78. ^ "Khalistani leader Pannun threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus, asks them to leave". The Statesman. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  79. ^ Bhaumik, Anirban (20 September 2023). "Khalistanis threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, plan huge protest to shut down India's missions in Canada". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  80. ^ "In India's Big Crackdown On Khalistan Radicals, Sympathisers To Lose OCI Cards". Times Now. 24 September 2023. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  81. ^ Pandey, Devesh K. (23 September 2023). "NIA confiscates properties of SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  82. ^ "Big Crackdown On Khalistani Terrorist Who Threatened Hindus In Canada". NDTV. 24 September 2023. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  83. ^ "NIA seizes assets of Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Punjab". The Hindustan Times. 23 September 2023. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  84. ^ Sevastopulo, Demetri (3 October 2023). "India tells Canada to withdraw dozens of diplomatic staff". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  85. ^ "India tells Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official says". AP News. 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  86. ^ Coletta, Amanda (20 October 2023). "Canada withdraws diplomats after India threatens to revoke immunity". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  87. ^ Austen, Ian (19 October 2023). "Canada Pulls 41 Diplomats as India Threatens to Revoke Their Immunity". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  88. ^ "'Deeply Concerned': US, UK & Australia React After Canada Accuses India Of Killing Khalistani Leader Nijjar". Free Press Journal. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  89. ^ "After U.K., U.S. expresses concern over departure of Canadian diplomats from India". The Hindu. 21 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  90. ^ Singh, Kanishka; Pitas, Costas (21 October 2023). "US and UK back Canada in dispute with India over diplomats". Reuters. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  91. ^ Haidar, Suhasini (26 October 2023). "After U.S., U.K., Australia, Five eyes member New Zealand too criticises India on order expelling Canadian diplomats". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  92. ^ "How Canada-India Relations Crumbled". Time. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  93. ^ Bhaumik, Anirban (13 November 2023). "India calls upon Canada to stop attacks on places of worships of minorities, stop 'misuse of freedom of expression'". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  94. ^ "India protests alleged Sikh separatist slogans at event attended by Trudeau". Al Jazeera. 30 April 2024. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  95. ^ "G7 Summit: Modi seizes center stage to ambush Biden, Trudeau". Deccan Herald. 15 June 2024. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  96. ^ "Committed to working together on key issues: Trudeau after meeting with PM Modi". India Today. 15 June 2024. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  97. ^ "Canada Institute Experts React to the India-Canada Dispute". Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. 27 September 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  98. ^ a b c "Canada alleges much wider campaign by Modi government against Sikhs". Washington Post. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  99. ^ a b c "Canada and India each expel six diplomats amid murder investigation of Sikh activist in B.C." Toronto Star. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  100. ^ "RCMP statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India". Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  101. ^ "Indian government officials allegedly linked to homicides, extortions and coercion in Canada, pose threat to public safety, says RCMP". The Globe and Mail. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  102. ^ "Canada expels 6 Indian diplomats, RCMP alleges 'serious criminal activity'". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  103. ^ Tunney, Catharine (15 October 2024). "Top Mountie urges Sikh community to come forward as RCMP pushes ahead on India probe". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  104. ^ Webster, C. (2001). "Commonwealth Diplomatic Missions a Comparative Empirical Investigation of the Foreign Policy of Five Commonwealth Members". The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs. 90 (361): 529–539. doi:10.1080/00358530120082814.
  105. ^ "Embassies and consulates of Canada in India". Government of Canada. 16 November 2012. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  106. ^ "Indian diplomatic representation in Canada". Indian High Commission. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  107. ^ a b c "Canada trade with India". Observatory of Economic Complexity. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  108. ^ "Canadian Trade". Observatory of Economic Complexity. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  109. ^ "Indian Trade". Observatory of Economic Complexity. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  110. ^ "India-Canada row: Will multi-billion trade ties between two countries take a hit?". Business Today. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  111. ^ "Canada-India Free Trade Agreement Negotiations". Archived from the original on 1 February 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  112. ^ "Despite Diplomatic Strains, Canada and India Conduct Business as Usual". Asia Pacific Foundation. 17 June 2024. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  113. ^ "Air Canada inaugurates non stop flights from Vancouver to India". Stockhouse. 20 October 2016. Archived from the original on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  114. ^ "A look at Canada and India and their relationship, by the numbers". Associated Press. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  115. ^ "Air India resumes Toronto service from late-Sep 2019". Routesonline. Archived from the original on 26 June 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  116. ^ Disha Shah Ghosh (5 May 2022). "India, Canada discuss expansion of air services pact". Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  117. ^ "India, Canada discuss open skies policy". The South Asian Times. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  118. ^ "India, Canada to allow more flights, revise pact". Trend. 6 May 2022. Archived from the original on 6 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.

Further reading

  • Bragta, Sanjeev Kumar. "India-Canada Relations: A View on Geopolitical, Geoeconomic Convergence and Divergence." Technium Social Science Journal 31 (2022): 693+ online.
  • Budhwar, Prem K. et al. "India-Canada Relations: a Roller-Coaster Ride." Indian Foreign Affairs Journal 13.1 (2018): 1-50. online essays by seven experts
  • Chandrasekhar, Sripati (1986). From India to Canada: a brief history of immigration, problems of discrimination, admission and assimilation. Population Review Books. ISBN 9780960908011.
  • Coward, Howard, ed. Peace. Development and Culture: Comparative Studies of lndia and Canada (Calgary: Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. 1988).
  • Dobell, W. M. "Canada and India: The Mulroney Years." Journal of Asian and African Studies 25.3-4 (1990): 131–145.
  • Edwards, Lucie. "The lady is a tiger: Canada's erratic courtship of India." Canadian Foreign Policy Journal 18#3 (2012): 264–266.
  • Gayithri, K. et al. eds. Nation-Building, Education and Culture in India and Canada (Springer, 2019) online
  • Grewal, J.S. and Hugh Johnston, eds. The India-Canada Relationship -- Exploring Political, Economic and Cultural Dimensions (London: Sage/Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, 1994).
  • Gupta, Ashis, ed. Canada-lndia Opportunities - Selected 1988 Conference Proceedings, (University of Calgary, 1988)
  • Mansi, K. "Foreign Policy of Canada vis-à-vis India under Stephen Harper: From Cold Storage to Warmth of Billion-Dollar Trade." in K. Gayithri, et al. eds. Nation-Building, Education and Culture in India and Canada (Springer, 2019) pp. 135-154. online
  • Mishra, Anil Dutta and Govind Prasad (2003). India and Canada: Past, Present & Future. Mittal Publications. ISBN 9788170998785.
  • Raj, Christopher S. and Abdul Nafey (2007). Canada's global engagements and relations with India. Manak Publications. ISBN 978-81-7827-168-2.
  • Reid, Escott. Envoy to Nehru (Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1981).
  • Rubinoff, Arthur, ed. Canada and South Asia: Political and Strategic Relations (University of Toronto Press, 1992).
  • Rubinoff, Arthur G. "Canada's re-engagement with India." Asian Survey 42.6 (2002): 838–855. online
  • Rudner, Martin. "The Canada-India nexus: Trade and development assistance in Canada's new foreign policy framework." Canadian Foreign Policy Journal 3.2 (1995): 33–50.
  • Sharma, Kavita. "Dynamics of Sikh Diaspora and its Implications for India-Canada Relations" Research Reinforcement (2021) 9#1 pp. 50-57 ISSN 2348-3857 online
  • Singh, Milan, and Anita Singh. "Diaspora, political action, and identity: A case study of Canada's Indian diaspora." Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies 17.2 (2014): 149–171. online
  • Suryanarayana, P. S. "Canada-India row: a test of the “rules-based order”." RSIS Commentaries, 141-23 (2023). online
  • Touhey, Ryan M. "The Canada-India Relationship: A Historical Understanding of Political Discontent and Diaspora." India Migration Report 2024 (Routledge India, 2024) pp.26-35. online
  • Touhey, Ryan. Conflicting Visions: Canada and India in the Cold War World, 1946-76 (U British Columbia Press, 2015)