Relations between Canada and India have faced significant challenges over the years, primarily centered around the issue of Sikh separatism in Canada. Here’s a detailed timeline highlighting key events that have strained bilateral ties:
February 2018:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to India is marred by controversy after it is revealed that Jaspal Atwal, a convicted attempted murderer, was invited to official events attended by Trudeau. The invitation leads to diplomatic embarrassment for Canada.
June 2013:
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh community leader and advocate for Sikh separatism, is assassinated outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C. The killing raises suspicions of political motives and sparks protests within the Sikh community.
September 2013:
Canada suspends talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, citing concerns over Indian interference in Canadian affairs. Prime Minister Trudeau publicly accuses India of involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, further straining diplomatic relations.
October 2013:
India retaliates by canceling diplomatic immunity for Canadian diplomats, leading to the expulsion of several Canadian officials from the country. The move escalates tensions between the two nations.
November 2013:
A New York court unseals an indictment alleging the involvement of an Indian diplomat in a foiled murder-for-hire plot targeting a Sikh separatist in Canada. The revelation adds fuel to the diplomatic fire between Canada and India.
January 2014:
An independent inquiry is launched to investigate possible Indian meddling in Canadian elections. India vehemently denies the allegations, but the inquiry continues to raise concerns about foreign interference.
March 2014:
Bloomberg reports that the Indian government has acknowledged involvement in a U.S. murder plot but claims the operatives were acting independently. The report further strains relations between Canada and India.
May 2014:
Canadian police arrest members of an alleged hit squad believed to have been tasked by the Indian government with killing Nijjar. The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into Nijjar’s assassination and exacerbate tensions between the two countries.
These events underscore the complex and strained nature of Canada-India relations, particularly regarding issues of security, sovereignty, and allegations of foreign interference.
