In the complex world of international diplomacy, where words can shape the destinies of nations, a single misstep can have disastrous consequences. Recently, Canada stumbled down this dangerous path when it levelled very serious allegations against India, accusing it of complicity in the death of a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, a designated terrorist by the Indian government. The fallout from this incident not only soured diplomatic relations between the two countries but also exposed Canada’s blatant hypocrisy and disregard for established diplomatic norms.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired the opening salvo with his startling accusations against India in the Canadian Parliament last Monday. He alleged India’s involvement in the murder of a Canadian citizen without providing a shred of evidence to support his claims. The move was not only ill-advised but also had the potential to disrupt the delicate fabric of international relations. A country like Canada, which claims to be a human rights and due process champion, should have been more cautious before making such serious allegations.
Trudeau’s questionable timing of these allegations cannot be ignored. At home, he faces growing pressure from the opposition over runaway inflation, soaring home unaffordability, government involvement in scandals and corruption and record public debt. With no clear solution to these pressing domestic issues in sight, Trudeau’s accusations against India seem like a convenient diversionary tactic, a way to divert public attention from the pressing issues plaguing Canada.
The decision to invite Jaspal Atwal, a designated Khalistani terrorist, as part of Trudeau’s entourage to India in the past further underscores the inconsistency in Canada’s approach to extremism. Trudeau’s defence of farmers’ protests in India, while taking a different stance on trucker protests in Canada, exposes his double standards.
Trudeau’s allegations against the Indian government for its alleged involvement in the death of a known terrorist lack substantial evidence. But it is known to all, that it conveniently ignores substantial evidence of Chinese meddling in Canadian internal affairs. This double standard raises questions about the credibility of Canada’s position and commitment to global security.
The Government of Canada has consistently turned a blind eye to act upon the detailed lists of designated terrorists and extremists provided by the Government of India. Despite receiving concrete evidence several times from the Government of India, Canada has not taken any action, and let the India-centric extremism or separatist protests, ruckus and mayhem run its course. Instead, they inexplicably expect India to act on their allegations without a shred of evidence, a demand that smacks of hypocrisy.
Trudeau has always given his political agenda precedence over foreign relations. This discrepancy between his words and actions undermines Canada’s credibility on the global stage and raises concerns about the country’s leadership.
It is also crucial to ask how Canadian citizens can demand a separate state in India, in the name of freedom of expression and freedom of protest, when they should be focusing on the unity and stability of their own country. While most Sikhs in Canada are law-abiding citizens, there is a faction that supports the Khalistani agenda and violence and finds a safe haven there. Numerous plots have been foiled in the past and tragic incidents such as the Air India bombing serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences of supporting extremism and terrorism.
Furthermore, Canada’s rush to seek support from its allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, reveals its inability to deal independently with the consequences of its actions. This not only reflects poorly on Canada’s diplomatic capabilities but also undermines its international standing.
One important aspect that deserves more scrutiny is Canada’s handling of the revelation of the identity of an Indian intelligence officer. In diplomatic circles, all countries secretly send intelligence officers to their embassies or high commissions abroad. When the host country discovers such officers, the matter is dealt with discreetly. However, Canada’s decision to publicly reveal the identity of an Indian diplomat, thereby endangering his life, is an unprecedented display of immaturity and a flagrant violation of established diplomatic norms and international conventions. Even in the most hostile diplomatic relations, countries do not resort to such tactics. The world operates by a set of unwritten rules outside of formal conventions like the Vienna Convention, and Canada’s actions set a dangerous precedent.
In stark contrast, India’s response to the situation was decisive and unexpected. By suspending visa services for Canadians until further notice, the Indian government is not only rejecting Canada’s allegations as politically motivated but also asserting its position on the global stage and signalling that a new world order has emerged in which India’s position cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, Canada’s inability to address pressing domestic issues while engaging in disruptive rhetoric on the international stage underscores the leadership crisis. The discrepancy between Trudeau’s professed values and his actions erodes trust and credibility, both at home and abroad.
As the fallout from this episode continues, it is imperative that Canada introspects and corrects its approach to international relations. The world is watching and Canada must decide whether to be a responsible global player or continue down a path of political posturing and inconsistency. The stakes are high and the consequences of Trudeau’s actions will reverberate far beyond his borders!
Amarjeet Verma is a policy researcher and writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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