Context
The bilateral ties between India and Canada have deteriorated after Canada alleged “potential" Indian links to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar (wanted under India’s Terrorist Act) and expelled an Indian diplomat over the issue.
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
What is Khalistani movement?
The Sikh Empire (faith that arose during the 15th century) was a kingdom in the Punjab region led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, with the province of Lahore serving as the Sikh capital. |
Proposed Khalistan
Other Separatist Movements
|
How the movement received support in Canada?
What created resentment among Sikhs?
1985 Bombing (The Violent Peak): In 1985, an Air India flight travelling from Canada to India via London, exploded off the Irish coast, killing all 329 people on board. The bombings were planned by Sikh separatists who wanted to take revenge for the Indian army's deadly 1984 storming of the Golden Temple in Punjab state. |
How have other countries such as the US and EU reacted to the row?
What does this mean for Canada-India relations?
However, if the crisis escalates, trade and investments could take a hit. If Canada imposes restrictions on student visas or the Indian government creates hurdles, it will reduce student inflow. This will hurt Canada as well, as CBIE data show Indian students contributed $4.9 billion to the Canadian economy in 2021.
Verifying, please be patient.