Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/aircraft-glitch-delays-canada-pm-trudeaus-departure-india-2023-09-10/
There’s been an abundance of Sikh protests in Canada in favor of the Indian state of Punjab becoming an independent country called Khalistan. At the recent G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9th, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who was also in attendance, and expressed his concern over recent Sikh protests. In June 2023 there was also an issue with Sikh protesters in Canada who included a float in a parade that showed the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. India said in a statement that they viewed these protests in Canada as promoting violence against Indians in positions of power and threatening the Indian Community in Canada. Canada’s response to the issue was that they will defend freedom of expression and peaceful protests however they will prevent violence and limit any hatred. As a result of the tension between India and Canada, the proposed trade treaty has been put on hold and Indian Prime Minister Modi did not hold a bilateral meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau at the recent G20 summit.
The conflicts between India and Canada over Sikh protesters have the potential to escalate if proper action isn’t taken. It makes sense why the countries originally wanted to work together and have a trade treaty because they both practice democracy and have many interpersonal connections. The fact that this major trade treaty that was set to be put in place by the end of the year was put on hold already shows the effects of these tensions brewing. The rise in popularity and media coverage of the Sikh and raised awareness for their mission to create Khalistan may also affect the Sikh living at home and the Sikh currently living in the United Kingdom by causing further division.
Protests surrounding the controversy of turning Punjab into Khalistan connect to the topic of the conflicts and tensions within and outside borders as a result of a state’s desire to gain independence and become a country. It also highlights the civil unrest that can occur between citizens because of geography and religion, specifically because India has many different cultures and values within its borders which can cause separation between people. The pause on the signing of the trade treaty indicates that what starts as a social issue between countries can bleed into economic relations and business deals and overall affect a multitude of categories.