Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused the Indian government of being involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
However, India dismisses these allegations, labeling them as baseless. Amid the tension, a Khalistani gangster named Sukhdul Singh, commonly known as Sukkha, was murdered. He was known to be closely affiliated with terrorist Arsh Dala.
Escalating Tensions
Canada’s relations with India have been icy recently. While Trudeau reiterated his claims about India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder, India has countered by suspending visa services for Canadians. Moreover, India has accused Canada of providing a safe haven for terrorists.
Recent Developments
While Trudeau continues to point fingers at India, another gangster named Sukkha was gunned down in Canada. Sukkha was originally from Punjab and had fled to Canada years ago, where he led his gang. The Indian NIA had him on their wanted list for his links with Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill.
There’s a growing gang war in Canada. The responsibility for Sukkha’s murder was claimed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This hints at the increasing gang and drug-related problems in Canada.
Summary of Events
- June Incident: Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot outside a gurudwara in Canadian. Trudeau, addressing the Canadian Parliament, implicated possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder and expelled an Indian diplomat.
- India’s Response: India rejected Canada’s claims and labeled them as motivated by ulterior motives. In response to the expulsion of its diplomat, India also deported a senior Canadian official.
- NIA’s Action: The NIA released a list of 43 gangsters, seeking information about those based in Canadian.
- Visa Suspension: India suspended visas for Canadians and issued an advisory for its citizens residing in Canada.
- Indian Foreign Ministry’s Stand: India reprimanded Canada and dubbed it a shelter for terrorists.
- Trudeau’s Reiteration: Speaking from New York, Trudeau repeated his allegations regarding India’s role in Nijjar’s murder and sought cooperation from India.
Canada and India Trade Relations: Who Stands to Lose More?
The Setback in Trade Relations – Both India and Canada were hopeful of finalizing a trade deal by the end of this year. However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to expel an Indian diplomat has dampened those hopes.
Strained Ties Over Khalistan
- The relations between India and Canadian have been souring due to issues surrounding Khalistan. As long as Trudeau is in office,
- it seems India might shy away from further bilateral trade discussions with Canadian. Previously, the Indian government had expressed concerns over the Canadian government’s stance towards Khalistan supporters.
- Despite political concerns, India had always prioritized keeping trade separate from politics. The Indian government clearly voiced its concerns during Trudeau’s visit to Delhi during the G-20 summit.
- Now, after Trudeau’s recent remarks in parliament, experts believe it might be challenging for India to return to trade talks with Canadian during Trudeau’s current term, which lasts until 2025.
- Although Trudeau later clarified he didn’t intend to ‘stir or escalate’ the issue, the damage seems done.
What’s At Stake for the Trade Deal?
- The halted trade deal seems more detrimental to Canada than to India. India’s potential benefits from a trade deal with Canadian are limited.
- One expected outcome of this trade deal was a reduction in tariffs on clothing exports, which would benefit Indian exports.
- The deal might also have provided advantages for the movement of professionals and students. For Canada, the primary focus areas were dairy and agricultural products.
Canada’s Greater Loss
- Both countries had been working on a bilateral deal to enhance trade relations. Last year, trade between India and Canadian stood at around 8.2 billion dollars, with Canada being India’s 35th largest trading partner.
- The trade balance between the two nations is relatively even. Canadian pension funds have always found India an attractive investment destination.
- For instance, the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has invested around 1.21 lakh crore in India.
- Such investments are made with a long-term perspective in mind. Other major players like Brookfield and Convergent Finance also have significant investments in India.
- In summary, with the current diplomatic tensions between the two countries, while both nations stand to lose from a halted trade deal, Canada might feel the pinch a bit more given its significant investments and trade aspirations with India.