India has taken the extraordinary step of suspending visa issuance to Canadian citizens, citing “security threats” that have disrupted its missions in Canada. This move comes as tensions between the two nations have reached a boiling point, triggered by allegations surrounding the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.

The friction escalated this week when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that India might have been involved in the murder that took place on June 18th. Despite the allegations, Trudeau clarified on Thursday that he did not intend to provoke India with these claims.

India vehemently rejected the accusation, labeling it “absurd.” Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that Canada values its relationship with India and is committed to the rule of law and the protection of Canadians. However, the strained relations, which have been brewing for months, are now arguably at an all-time low.

The Indian government swiftly extended its visa suspension to include Canadians in third countries, citing threats to its high commission and consulates in Canada as the reason for the disruption. A spokesperson for India’s foreign affairs ministry stated that this measure was taken to seek parity in rank and diplomatic strength due to alleged Canadian interference in India’s internal affairs.

In response to these tensions, Canada announced a reduction in its personnel in India, stating that some diplomats had received threats on social media. Their statement emphasized the need to ensure the safety of Canadian diplomats given the heightened tensions.

Despite these diplomatic disputes, Canada’s visa services remain unaffected within India. Canada is home to a significant population of Indian origin, with over 1.4 million people, more than half of them Sikhs, comprising 3.7% of the country’s population. Additionally, India sends the highest number of international students to Canada, accounting for 40% of total overseas students in 2022.

The current discord originated when Canada linked India to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and separatist leader who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. Prime Minister Trudeau revealed that Canada’s intelligence agencies were investigating whether “agents of the government of India” were involved in Nijjar’s killing, a move that greatly angered India.

In response, India accused Canada of attempting to divert attention from Khalistani terrorists and extremists whom they claim have been given refuge in Canada. The Indian government has consistently reacted strongly to the demands of Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland.

When questioned about the evidence connecting India to the murder, Prime Minister Trudeau did not provide specific details but stressed that sharing these allegations was done with utmost seriousness. He called on Indian officials to cooperate with the investigation into the killing.

India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, confirmed that Canada has not shared specific information regarding Nijjar’s murder but expressed India’s willingness to examine any such information provided in the future.

The Khalistan movement, a violent insurgency that peaked in India’s Sikh-majority Punjab state in the 1980s, has waned in India but retains support among some members of the Sikh diaspora in countries including Canada, Australia, and the UK.

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