India Demotes Canada to Pakistan’s Status

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

India has recalled its envoy from Canada and expelled six Canadian diplomats, effectively downgrading its diplomatic ties with Canada to the same status as Pakistan. This significant move comes in response to Canada’s alleged harboring of terrorists and its accusations against India concerning the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Experts argue that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is engaging in vote-bank politics at the expense of national security.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India has officially relegated Canada to the status of “naya Pakistan” (new Pakistan) following a series of escalating diplomatic tensions. The relationship soured dramatically after Canada accused India of involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot in June 2023. Despite numerous requests for substantial evidence, Canada has continued its unsubstantiated claims against India, leading to a diplomatic standoff.

On October 14, Canada named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a “person of interest” in its investigation into Nijjar’s death. This provocation prompted India to recall its envoy and expel six Canadian diplomats. As noted by Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, this rare diplomatic response indicates India’s serious displeasure with Canada.

Analysts, including Sushant Sareen, have drawn parallels between Canada’s recent actions and the historical behavior of Pakistan. Sareen emphasized that both countries are accused of harboring wanted terrorists and engaging in damaging political rhetoric. Multiple commentators have echoed this sentiment, highlighting Canada’s lack of action against the Khalistani terrorist groups that operate freely within its borders.

India has long criticized Canada for allowing anti-India elements to thrive under the guise of free speech. Khalistani groups, such as the Khalistan Tiger Force and Sikhs for Justice, have reportedly established bases in Canada, where they promote separatist ideologies. These groups have been implicated in serious crimes, yet Canada has failed to respond adequately to India’s extradition requests for their leaders.

The situation is further complicated by Justin Trudeau’s political ambitions. As Canada approaches its 2025 general elections, Trudeau’s government appears to be courting the Sikh vote, a politically significant demographic. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has criticized this “vote bank politics,” suggesting that it undermines national security and fosters extremism.

The current diplomatic crisis mirrors India’s previous relations with Pakistan, particularly following the 2019 Pulwama attacks. In response to such provocations, India had downgraded its diplomatic ties with Pakistan, a move now echoed in its dealings with Canada. This shift has resulted in a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of India’s historical struggles with its neighbor.

Amidst this turmoil, commentators have expressed alarm over the deterioration of India-Canada relations. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra remarked on social media that the language used by India’s Ministry of External Affairs is unprecedented, emphasizing that Trudeau’s government has fallen into a category lower than that of “corrupt third world tinpot dictators.”

Reflecting on the past, the article also references the Air India Kanishka bombing in 1985, an event that remains a scar on Canadian history. The Canadian government had ignored India’s intelligence regarding the threats posed by Khalistani militants, resulting in the tragic loss of 329 lives. Such historical parallels raise questions about Canada’s current approach to terrorism and its implications for national security.

As tensions rise, the ongoing situation indicates a troubling trajectory for Canada. If left unchecked, the emergence of “naya Pakistan” on the American continent could lead to further complications in the region and globally. The warning is clear: as Amish Tripathi aptly noted, harboring terrorists will have consequences for Canada, just as it has for Pakistan.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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