The simmering tensions between India and Canada, ignited by the death of Canadian citizen Nijjar and allegations linking Indian government agents to the incident, have taken a toll on diplomatic relations and trade ties. The sequence of events paints a picture of a strained relationship between the two nations, with each side taking measures in response to the escalating crisis.
The abrupt pause in talks on a proposed trade treaty between Canada and India, a move unexpected by many, marked the beginning of the dispute in early September. This decision came as a surprise since both countries had previously expressed their intention to finalize an initial agreement later in the year. However, underlying concerns related to Nijjar’s killing started to dominate the discourse.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn’t waste any time in expressing his concerns about Sikh separatist protests in Canada to his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau. This exchange occurred during a Group of 20 summit in New Delhi on September 10, setting the tone for further developments.
As the situation continued to escalate, Canada postponed a trade mission to India initially scheduled for October 15. A spokesperson for Trade Minister Mary Ng cited concerns surrounding Nijjar’s killing as the primary reason for this decision. This move signified the deepening unease between the two nations.
September 15
Trudeau addressed the Canadian Parliament on September 18, making the explosive claim that there were credible allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s killing. This statement added fuel to the fire, further straining bilateral relations.
September 19
Our government vehemently dismissed Trudeau’s assertion as “absurd” on September 19, leading to a diplomatic standoff. Both countries engaged in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, with Canada expelling India’s top intelligence officer in the country,
The international community also weighed in on the matter, with the United States, Australia, and Britain expressing concerns over Nijjar’s killing. India, in response to the escalating crisis, urged its citizens in Canada to exercise caution.
September 21
Trade and economic interests began to be affected as well. On September 21, JSW Steel Ltd, an Indian company, started to slow down its process of buying a stake in the coal unit of Canada’s Teck Resources. This move signaled the potential impact of the diplomatic row on investments and business collaborations.
September 22
Furthermore, on September 22, India took a significant step by suspending the issuance of new visas for Canadian nationals and requesting Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India. This was a clear indication of India’s dissatisfaction with Canada’s handling of the situation.
Amid the diplomatic turmoil, Canadian lentil sales to India slowed down, affecting a vital source of protein-rich staple for the country. The country had been India’s main importer of lentils, and the tensions were now affecting this trade relationship.
September 28
However, it was noted that Indian exports to Canada were marginal and had not been significantly impacted by the diplomatic row, as India’s steel secretary pointed out on September 28. This underscored the uneven nature of the consequences for both nations.
India- Canada Row: October 3
As the situation continued to unfold, India issued an ultimatum to Canada on October 3, demanding the repatriation of 41 diplomats by October 10. This move escalated the standoff and raised concerns about the future of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In response to these developments, Prime Minister Trudeau attempted to defuse the situation on October 3, emphasizing that his country had no intention of further escalating the dispute with India. He pledged to continue engaging responsibly and constructively with New Delhi.
The India-Canada row stemming from the killing of Nijjar has led to a complex web of diplomatic tensions, trade disruptions, and international concerns. The coming days will determine whether both nations can find a path to de-escalation and reconciliation or whether the dispute will continue to strain their relations.
