MS Shanker
The India-Canada bilateral relationship has been strained in recent years, largely due to misguided policies pursued by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This strain became particularly evident as India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Trudeau’s actions, seemingly aimed at undermining Modi’s government, included cozying up to India’s hostile neighbours, China and Pakistan, rather than fostering constructive engagement.
A flashpoint in this tense relationship came when Trudeau accused the Indian government of being directly involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistan separatist. Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, was shot dead on June 18 by two unidentified assailants. Despite Nijjar’s controversial background, Canada regarded him as a national leader, which added a layer of diplomatic friction. Trudeau’s allegations, lacking credible evidence, appeared politically motivated. His approach initially found support from the United States, a close Canadian ally, which also raised concerns about an alleged Indian intelligence operation targeting another Khalistan leader (Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh), residing on American soil. residing on American soil.
Despite these provocations, India remained steadfast. The Modi government demonstrated resilience in the face of thinly veiled threats from both Canada and the United States. The Biden administration’s simultaneous claims of strengthening ties with India while supporting such allegations revealed a contradiction in its foreign policy. This inconsistency emboldened India’s adversaries, particularly Pakistan, which has long accused India of interference in its internal affairs, especially in regions like Baluchistan.
Meanwhile, the political dynamics in the U.S. and Canada have shifted dramatically. In the United States, the Democrats faced a crushing defeat in the recent presidential elections, paving the way for Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump’s comeback signals a possible shift in U.S. policy, with his administration likely to prioritize countering forces that misuse American soil to destabilize other nations. Trump has already indicated a crackdown on “deep state” elements and external actors, including billionaire George Soros, who has been accused of funding activities aimed at destabilizing governments like India’s.
In Canada, Trudeau is facing mounting challenges to his leadership. His political survival hangs by a thread as his coalition partners have withdrawn support, and dissent is brewing even within his own party. Trudeau’s policies have not only isolated Canada diplomatically but also undermined his domestic standing, leaving him vulnerable to calls for resignation.
While these developments unfold, India has successfully navigated domestic and international challenges. The Modi government has effectively countered external interference, including anti-farmer protests allegedly fuelled by overseas entities, and strengthened its position on the global stage. India’s diplomatic finesse has won new allies, countering the narratives pushed by adversaries like China, Pakistan, and now a faltering Canada.
The geopolitical landscape is poised for significant shifts in the coming months. In Bangladesh, the controversial installation of an interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, widely seen as a product of foreign interference, has plunged the country into economic turmoil. A reversal of this political experiment seems increasingly likely as stability eludes the nation.
As global dynamics evolve, the question of “who has the last laugh” appears to favour leaders and nations that prioritize sovereignty, resilience, and balanced diplomacy. With Trudeau’s leadership faltering and Trump signalling a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy, India’s steady rise as a global power underscores that persistence and pragmatism ultimately prevail.
