Link to article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/29/india/clashes-hindu-sikh-canada-india-intl-hnk/index.html
Tensions between Canada and India have been growing for the past year, when Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, stated last year that he had credible information that linked the Indian government to the assassination of an Indian-born Canadian national and open supporter of Khalistan, a Sikh secessionist movement aiming to create an autonomous homeland for Sikhs in Northern India. India has responded and claimed that these allegations are false and hold no credibility. Tensions continued to escalate when Canada expelled 6 Indian diplomats and accused Indian government agents of planning assassinations of pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Canada. Most recently, Pro-Khalistan Sikhs clashed with members of the Hindu congregation outside of a Hindu temple on Sunday, November 24th, sparking violence across Canada for multiple days and triggering arrests. These incidents are all a consequence of the existence of Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada, which India strongly disapproves of, and how each side feels about and views the Khalistan movement. India views this movement as much larger of a threat than Canada believes.
This article is very necessary and important because it demonstrates the relationship between Canada and India, as well as the tensions that have been rising recently between the two countries. The Khalistan movement is a Sikh secessionist movement that calls for the creation of Khalistan, an independent state, by seceding India’s Punjab region, which is understandably concerning to India, as they would lose a portion of their territory. If Canada does not come out against the Pro Khalistan movement, which is doubtful that they would do, ties between India and Canada will continue to feel strained and uneasy. Additionally, it is likely that members of the Pro Khalistan movement will continue to protest and fight for an independent state, and this won’t be the last incident.
As stated above, following the incident on November 24th, it is unlikely that Pro Khalistan groups in Canada will end their protests, which could potentially lead to more clashes with members of the Hindu congregation, India, and Canada. In terms of the ties between Canada and India, Canada has already expelled 6 Indian diplomats and accused the Indian government of attempting to plan assassinations , proving that they are willing to act against India. If India continues to act so aggressively against Pro-Khalistan groups and protesters within Canada, the Canadian government will likely be forced to make a choice between supporting these groups or shutting them down.
The current tensions and interactions between Canada and India relate to reciprocal behavior, which emphasizes how countries communicate, negotiate, trade, and do business. Additionally, it relates to liberal theory, specifically conflict affecting the interests of states and appearing as irrational deviation resulting from defective reasoning, in turn harming the collective. The conflict between the Pro Khalistan group and members of the Hindu congregation resulted in a series of violent incidents and arrests across Canada, which harmed the collective and influenced the interests of both Canada and India.