India-Canada Relations Hit a New Low
Michael Kugelman, a foreign policy expert and Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, has compared the deteriorating relationship between India and Canada to India’s long-standing strained ties with Pakistan. Kugelman noted that the diplomatic fallout between India and Canada is reminiscent of the Indo-Pakistan relationship, with serious allegations, expulsion of diplomats, and harsh government statements.
Factors Contributing to the Rift
Kugelman highlighted internal political dynamics in Canada as a contributing factor to the diplomatic rift. He pointed out that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments on India’s internal matters, such as his support for the farmers’ protests, have sparked tensions. While Canada denies harboring extremists, India disagrees, accusing Canada of sheltering anti-India terrorists.
Recent Developments
India expelled six Canadian diplomats after summoning Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, Stewart Wheeler, to protest the targeting of Indian diplomats in Canada. This followed Canada’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats, accusing them of involvement in a campaign of violence. The tensions escalated after Trudeau’s claims of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India strongly denied.
Doubts Revealed
Michael Kugelman -: Michael Kugelman is a person who studies and talks about how countries interact with each other. He is known for his knowledge about South Asia, which includes countries like India and Pakistan.
India-Canada Tensions -: India-Canada tensions refer to the disagreements and problems between the countries of India and Canada. These issues have led to both countries being upset with each other.
India-Pakistan Relations -: India-Pakistan relations are the interactions between India and Pakistan, which have often been difficult due to historical and political reasons. These two countries have had many disagreements over the years.
Expulsion of diplomats -: Expulsion of diplomats means that a country asks foreign officials, who represent their home country, to leave. This usually happens when there are serious disagreements between the countries.
Justin Trudeau -: Justin Trudeau is the Prime Minister of Canada, which means he is the leader of the Canadian government. He makes important decisions for the country.
Terrorist’s killing -: A terrorist’s killing refers to the death of a person who is accused of doing violent acts to scare people for political reasons. In this context, it is about a specific incident that caused tension between India and Canada.
