The current conflict between India and Canada began in September 2023, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader who was killed in Canada in June 2023. Trudeau said that Canada was investigating “credible allegations of a potential link” between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s murder.
India has denied the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “baseless”. The Indian government has also retaliated against Canada by suspending visa services and expelling Canadian diplomats.The conflict has damaged relations between the two countries, which have traditionally been close. It has also raised concerns about the safety of Sikhs in Canada, as well as the potential for violence between Sikhs and Hindus in Canada.The conflict has also highlighted the long-simmering tensions between India and Canada over the Sikh separatist movement. The Sikh separatist movement is a campaign for a sovereign state called Khalistan in the Indian state of Punjab. The movement has supporters in Canada, where a large Sikh diaspora community resides.The Indian government has accused Canada of harbouring Sikh separatists and providing them with support. Canada has denied these accusations, saying that it respects India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.The conflict between India and Canada is complex and has a long history. It is unlikely to be resolved quickly or easily. However, it is important for both countries to find a way to manage the conflict and avoid any further escalation.Here are some possible ways to resolve the conflict:
- Dialogue: India and Canada should open a dialogue to discuss their differences and find ways to resolve them peacefully.Investigation: Canada should conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and share the findings with India. If the investigation finds that the Indian government was involved in the murder, Canada should take appropriate action.Confidence-building measures: India and Canada should take steps to build confidence between the two countries, such as exchanging diplomats and increasing cooperation on trade and investment.
It is also important for both countries to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. India should not interfere in the internal affairs of Canada, and Canada should not interfere in the internal affairs of India.