"Middle powers, like Canada and India, which sit between a volatile United States and an assertive China, need one another. They should build enough connective tissue to avoid being isolated when the big players turn inward or hostile."
"In New Delhi, there is a settled view that Canada has been indulgent toward Sikh separatist outfits that violently target India, fundraise in Canada, and run noisy campaigns for the creation of Khalistan-an independent Sikh state-from a safe distance."
"The 2023 episode when then prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil tore through a relationship that was already fragile. Trade talks that had been presented as close to an initial agreement were quietly suspended."
Prime Minister Mark Carney advocates for middle powers to unite against isolation from major powers. Canada-India relations face significant strain following 2023 allegations that India was involved in killing Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This incident suspended trade talks and eroded political trust. Canada views India as overstating terror threats and failing to respect liberal democratic constraints, while India believes Canada harbors violent Sikh separatist groups fundraising for Khalistan. Recent diplomatic efforts, including meetings between national security advisers, attempt reconciliation. Carney's visit to India represents a critical test of whether middle powers can overcome mutual suspicion and build necessary cooperation.
#middle-power-diplomacy #canada-india-relations #sikh-separatism #geopolitical-strategy #bilateral-tensions
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