25

Oct

India-Canada Row : Dialogue only way out, feels Indian Diaspora

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Prabhjot Singh

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Toronto, Canada | Friday | 25 October 2024

The ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada has attracted global attention, with the Indian diaspora voicing its concerns over the impact it could have on the people of both countries. There is a growing sentiment among the Indian diaspora for an early resolution, emphasizing that both nations should exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue to settle their differences. The belief is that diplomatic channels and structured governance systems should be used to resolve issues instead of public disputes.

The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has hit a historic low, with both sides exchanging accusations and taking retaliatory actions. This tit-for-tat approach, however, is viewed as unproductive by many, particularly those of Indian origin living abroad. According to Gurbax Singh Malhi, the first turbaned Sikh to serve in a federal parliament outside India, the ongoing dispute primarily hurts the public, not governments. He, like many others, believes that this standoff could have been avoided if both countries had opted for a more conciliatory approach.

The rift between the two countries stems largely from the presence of a sizable Punjabi Sikh community in Canada, with a section of it supporting the demand for an independent Khalistan, a cause India vehemently opposes. Tensions have resurfaced following the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani leader, on Canadian soil. Canada's accusation that India was involved in the assassination has deepened the diplomatic rift, with India strongly denying the allegations.

Article at a Glance

The escalating diplomatic dispute between India and Canada has sparked significant concern within the Indian diaspora, highlighting the need for an urgent resolution. Many believe that both nations should prioritize meaningful dialogue over public accusations, as the current tensions primarily affect their citizens rather than governments.
The rift intensified following the murder of pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with Canada accusing India of involvement—a claim India vehemently denies. This conflict threatens key sectors like trade and immigration, with bilateral trade reaching $8 billion in 2023.

Experts and community leaders urge both governments to engage in diplomatic discussions to prevent further polarization, particularly within the Indian Canadian community. As the world's largest democracies, India and Canada must focus on shared interests and mutual respect to restore their historically strong relationship and ensure the welfare of their citizens.

Herb Dhaliwal, the first Indo-Canadian to become a federal minister, highlights that this standoff marks a low point in India-Canada relations. He notes that diplomatic efforts have stalled, with Canada struggling to provide convincing evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, while India remains resistant to cooperate with Canadian investigations.

This diplomatic row goes beyond mere political differences. It has the potential to impact several key sectors, including trade, immigration, and education. India is Canada’s 9th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $8 billion in 2023. A prolonged diplomatic standoff could slow down growth in both countries. Seema Jham, a public relations professional in Toronto, stresses the need for open discussions and collaboration to resolve these issues. She believes that maintaining mutual respect and a focus on intelligence sharing would foster cooperation and benefit both nations.

For Indian Canadians, the ongoing dispute is particularly delicate. The Indian diaspora is one of the largest immigrant groups in Canada, playing a vital role in its economic, social, and cultural development. Shafoli Kapur, an immigration specialist based in Toronto, warns that the current diplomatic tensions could create divisions within the Indian Canadian community, particularly between Sikhs and Hindus. There are concerns that the political rhetoric may fuel xenophobic sentiments, potentially leading to increased polarization.

Experts across various sectors are urging both governments to engage in diplomatic talks to resolve this dispute. Nirmal Singh, a scholar based in Florida, points out that the involvement of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes Canada and its key allies, has added another layer of complexity to the situation. These countries, while supportive of Canada’s stance, have also expressed the need for clear evidence before taking sides. Singh emphasizes that diplomatic intervention, possibly through a neutral third party, could help ease tensions and protect the interests of both nations.

Tejinder Singh Aujla, a social activist and hockey promoter, believes that the blame game between India and Canada serves no one. He suggests that both governments should avoid public accusations and instead work together to find a solution through formal diplomatic channels. Aujla feels that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public comments on the issue have only fueled the dispute, and it would have been better if these concerns were addressed privately.

Lord Rami Ranger, a respected member of the Indian diaspora in the UK, also shares a similar perspective. He believes that Canada should not allow anti-India elements like the Khalistan movement to influence its foreign policy, as this could harm the India-Canada relationship. Ranger also criticizes the public protests that have taken place in Canada, some of which have desecrated Indian symbols. He stresses that if Canada had concrete evidence against India, it should have been shared in private, not through public statements.

The diplomatic rift between India and Canada underscores the challenges that arise when political disputes spill into the public domain. Both countries have much to gain from a positive relationship, and their longstanding people-to-people ties and robust trade relations are proof of this. The Indian diaspora, in particular, has been instrumental in fostering goodwill between the two nations, and its members are now calling for calm and restraint.

As the world’s largest democracies, India and Canada should prioritize diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect to overcome this impasse. By focusing on shared interests and engaging in constructive discussions, both countries can restore their relationship and ensure the continued prosperity and security of their citizens.

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