11

Nov

India-Canada Hit A New Low After  the Naming of Amit Shah

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Prabhjot Singh

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Toronto, Canada | Monday | 11 November 2024

The current diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have cast a shadow over the once-friendly ties between the two nations. These tensions escalated recently when Canadian officials alleged that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah was involved in targeting Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. As this conflict intensifies, a range of cultural and political issues are coming to light, affecting both countries' Indian diaspora and igniting discussions about multiculturalism, security, and identity in Canada.

The tensions began with the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, on Canadian soil in 2023. Canada linked this incident to Indian diplomats, alleging interference and intimidation campaigns aimed at the Sikh diaspora. Canada subsequently expelled six Indian diplomats, with India responding in kind. The escalating diplomatic moves have only widened the rift between the countries.

Adding to the strain, the Canadian House of Commons' Public Safety Committee recently received a statement from Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison, reiterating claims that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah was responsible for these alleged actions. The Washington Post previously reported that these accusations were based on confidential discussions between Canadian and Indian officials in Singapore. India has consistently rejected these accusations, calling them baseless, yet the strain on the relationship continues to be a prominent topic in Canadian parliamentary sessions.

 

Article at a Glance

Recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have strained their historically friendly relations,  following the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Canadian officials have accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting Sikh separatists, leading to mutual expulsions of diplomats. This conflict has sparked discussions on multiculturalism, security, and identity, particularly affecting the Indo-Canadian community.

The cancellation of the annual Diwali celebration in Canada’s House of Commons, a significant cultural event for the Indian diaspora, further fueled discontent. Shiv Bhasker, President of the Overseas Friends of India Canada, criticized the decision as insensitive, emphasizing the importance of such events in fostering unity.

As Canada grapples with these diplomatic challenges, there is a pressing need for leaders to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and ensure that the contributions of Indo-Canadians are recognized and celebrated.

 

The political landscape in Canada has also been impacted by these diplomatic tensions. Members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and other Liberal MPs have raised concerns about foreign interference from India. A heated debate in the House of Commons, which extended past midnight, saw MPs from the Liberal and NDP parties criticize Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for allegedly avoiding security clearance that would allow him access to confidential briefings on the issue. The ruling Liberals and their allies have emphasized the importance of political leaders staying informed about national security concerns, especially regarding foreign interference.

Amid these diplomatic clashes, a cultural issue has surfaced, causing a wave of discontent among Canada’s Indo-Canadian community. For 23 years, Diwali celebrations in Canada’s House of Commons  served as a unifying event for the Indian diaspora, initiated by Deepak Obhrai, the first Hindu MP of Indian origin in Canada. However, this year, the event, traditionally organized by the Conservative Party, was unexpectedly cancelled by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. This decision  generated significant backlash, with many Indo-Canadians feeling disappointed and excluded from the multicultural fabric Canada prides itself on.

Shiv Bhasker, President of the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), expressed his dismay in an open letter to Poilievre. He emphasized that Diwali celebrations in the House of Commons have provided a moment for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs to come together with other Canadians to celebrate their heritage. Bhasker argued that cancelling the event had been particularly troubling during these diplomatically tense times, as it risks alienating a vibrant community that contributes actively to Canadian society. "This event was not just about politics; it was a cultural gathering," Bhasker wrote, "to celebrate Diwali, a festival that symbolizes light, hope, and renewal." He called on the Conservative Party to apologize for what he described as an "insensitive" and "discriminatory" decision that harms the Indo-Canadian community’s sense of belonging.

Indo-Canadians have a rich history of contributing to Canada’s political landscape. This representation began in 1993 with the election of Gurbax Singh Malhi, Herb Dhaliwal, and Jag Bhaduria to the Canadian House of Commons, marking a new era of multicultural political engagement in Canada. Over the years, this community has celebrated its traditions within Canada’s political institutions, such as the Vaisakhi celebrations led by Malhi, and Diwali events, which brought people from various cultural backgrounds together in Parliament.

The symbolic Diwali event has held significance beyond the celebrations; it has been a testament to Canada's inclusive policies. Over the years, leaders, MPs, and community members have gathered in the House of Commons to celebrate Indo-Canadian heritage. In past ceremonies, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even offered a public apology for the Kama Gata Maru incident, acknowledging a historic injustice against the Sikh community. Such gestures underscore the importance of these events in fostering trust, respect, and a sense of unity within Canada.

The sudden cancellation of Diwali celebrations came at a sensitive time, when the Indo-Canadian community most felt the strain of the broader diplomatic crisis. Many Indo-Canadians were concerned that the strained relationship between Canada and India may cause their community to be unfairly targeted or viewed through a political lens. As Bhasker pointed out, Indo-Canadians are deeply integrated into Canadian society, contributing as business owners, academics, professionals, and community leaders. "Our identity is Canadian," he wrote, urging politicians to avoid actions that could make Indo-Canadians feel like second-class citizens.

At its core, Canada is built on principles of multiculturalism, and the Diwali event in the House of Commons is just one example of how these values are celebrated. While diplomatic disagreements with foreign countries are inevitable, leaders in Canada face the challenge of ensuring that such tensions do not affect the Canadian citizens who contribute to the nation’s diverse identity.

Amid this turbulence, members of the Indo-Canadian community hope for a resolution that emphasizes unity and mutual respect. The Diwali celebration cancellation has become a symbol of the diplomatic rift between India and Canada, but it also presents an opportunity for Canadian leaders to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity. Community members, like Shiv Bhasker, are urging leaders to avoid conflating international political issues with the identity and contributions of Canadian citizens of Indian descent.

As Canada navigates these tensions, there is a need for thoughtful leadership that bridges cultural and political divides. Maintaining an open, inclusive environment for all communities is essential for a multicultural nation like Canada, where diverse cultures should continue to be celebrated.

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