Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, expressed hope on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would engage with opposition leaders and heads of various political parties regarding the escalating tension between India and Canada. The diplomatic rift, which has drawn international attention, has become a matter of deep concern, and Ramesh called for a united and informed response to this “extremely sensitive and critical” issue.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh emphasized the importance of consultation, stating, “The Indian National Congress certainly hopes and expects that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take into confidence the Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament and the leaders of other political parties on this extremely sensitive and critical issue of India-Canada relations.”
Diplomatic escalation between India and Canada
Earlier on Monday, India took a significant diplomatic step by expelling six Canadian diplomats. This decision followed the summoning of Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, Stewart Wheeler, to convey India’s strong disapproval of what it described as the “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India released a statement saying, “The Government of India has decided to expel the following six Canadian diplomats: Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner; Mr. Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner; Marie Catherine Joly, First Secretary; Ian Ross David Trites, First Secretary; Adam James Chuipka, First Secretary; Paula Orjuela, First Secretary.”
The diplomats have been asked to leave India by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024. This move marks a serious escalation in the already strained relationship between the two nations.
Canada’s allegations
The diplomatic fallout stems from allegations made by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme, who recently claimed that law enforcement agencies in Canada had uncovered evidence of criminal activities linked to agents of the Indian government. These allegations come in the backdrop of deteriorating relations between India and Canada, which have been under strain for several years due to disagreements over the presence of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada.
Duheme stated that law enforcement had investigated and charged individuals involved in a range of criminal activities, including homicides and extortion. He also revealed that there had been credible threats to the lives of members of the South Asian community in Canada, particularly those associated with the pro-Khalistan movement. According to Duheme, the RCMP believes that some of these activities involved Indian diplomats and consular officials using their official positions to engage in clandestine operations.
The RCMP further alleged that Indian officials were involved in gathering intelligence for the Indian government, either directly or through intermediaries who acted voluntarily or under coercion.
The Hardeep Singh Nijjar controversy
The recent spat between India and Canada can be traced back to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims in 2023. During a parliamentary session, Trudeau alleged that Canada had “credible evidence” suggesting that India was involved in the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2020, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
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Trudeau’s accusations caused a major rift between the two countries. India vehemently denied any involvement in Nijjar’s killing, dismissing the claims as “absurd” and “motivated.” The Indian government also accused Canada of providing a safe haven to extremist and anti-India elements, including pro-Khalistan groups, which have long been a source of friction between the two nations.
Congress calls for opposition engagement
Jairam Ramesh’s call for Prime Minister Modi to consult opposition leaders highlights the significance of the India-Canada diplomatic row and the need for a bipartisan approach. The Congress party and other opposition parties have been vocal about the importance of addressing foreign policy issues in a more collaborative manner, particularly when national security and international relations are at stake.
The expulsion of Canadian diplomats and the continuing tension between New Delhi and Ottawa signal that the situation may not be resolved soon. Both nations have traded accusations, and the diplomatic channels remain fraught. As the issue escalates, many within India are calling for a careful and calculated response that involves all political stakeholders.
Looking ahead
With the expulsion of Canadian diplomats and the allegations from Canada’s RCMP, the India-Canada diplomatic relationship is at a low point. The upcoming days will be critical in determining whether dialogue can resolve these issues or whether the situation will further deteriorate.
The Congress party’s hope that Prime Minister Modi will consult opposition leaders suggests that the Indian political establishment is aware of the gravity of the situation. Whether such consultations will take place remains to be seen, but the need for a unified stance on India’s foreign policy has never been more pressing.
