History has rooted the relationship between India and Canada, which continues to evolve with significant cultural, political, and economic dynamics. The early Sikh migration in 1896 sowed the seeds of this relationship, motivated by the promise of opportunity and the challenges faced under British colonial rule in India. Over time, Canada has become a favored destination for Indian immigrants, particularly those from the Punjab region. Today, the Indian diaspora in Canada is extensive and influential, playing a crucial role in shaping policies and impacting elections. However, this relationship has faced substantial challenges. Issues of illegal immigration, gang violence, and anti-India sentiment among fringe elements within Canada have complicated the relationship, impacting diplomatic ties and domestic political landscapes in both nations.
Historical Evolution of Indo-Canada Relations
1947–1960: The Dawn of Independence and New Beginnings
In the post-independence era, India began to establish diplomatic relations with Canada. Canada’s support for India’s membership in the United Nations in 1947 was a milestone, reflecting its recognition of India’s sovereignty and importance on the global stage. This period also saw the first formal diplomatic exchanges, as both nations were members of the Commonwealth. Despite differences in foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War era when Canada leaned towards the Western bloc and India maintained a non-aligned stance, they established a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation.
1960–1980: Expanding Relations Amid Changing Global Dynamics
In the 1960s and 1970s, India and Canada cooperated in development and education, with Canada providing aid and technical assistance. During this period, they also witnessed the beginning of India’s nuclear program, with Canada supplying India with atomic technology under peaceful terms. The 1974 Pokhran nuclear tests strained this cooperation as Canada withdrew its nuclear assistance, marking the beginning of mistrust. However, the cultural and people-to-people connection flourished as more Indians, mainly from Punjab, migrated to Canada.
1980–2000: Tensions and New Challenges
Tensions arose in the 1980s and 1990s due to Sikh militancy in Punjab and the tragic 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing. Canada became a point of interest for those seeking asylum or safety, particularly among Sikh populations impacted by the conflict in Punjab. However, these issues exposed vulnerabilities within Canadian immigration policy, as some fringe elements harbored anti-India sentiment, which influenced public perceptions in both countries. Despite efforts to classify issues and prevent them from derailing the broader relationship, diplomatic relations experienced strain during this period.
2000–2024: Economic Engagements and New Diplomatic Realities
In the 21st century, Indo-Canada relations have shifted toward economic partnerships. Trade agreements and energy collaborations gained momentum, and Canada’s recognition of India as a valuable market led to growing investments. Yet, concerns over illegal immigration, gang violence, and the activity of extremist groups in Canada have continued to challenge the relationship. Indian officials have occasionally criticized Canada’s Liberal government for their perceived inaction against these fringe groups, escalating the diplomatic tension with recent incidents targeting Indian institutions in Canada.
Causes of Immigration to Canada
Sikh Militancy and Asylum. The rise of militancy in Punjab during the 1980s led many Sikhs to seek asylum in Canada, a country known for its relatively open immigration policies. This inflow included not only individuals affected by the conflict but also some who harbored extreme views against the Indian state. This set the stage for a complicated dynamic where Canada became home to a significant Punjabi Sikh population, some of whom supported calls for a separate Khalistan.
Air India Kanishka Bombing. Sikh extremists based in Canada carried out the devastating 1985 Air India bombing, highlighting the profound security implications of immigration policy oversights. This tragic incident remains a point of contention in Indo-Canada relations, highlighting the challenges Canada faces in balancing civil liberties with national security and underscoring the need for stringent immigration checks and monitoring of radical activities.
Canadian Immigration Laws and Political Implications
Role of Political Parties
Canada’s two major political parties, the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, have historically held differing views on immigration and diaspora politics. The Liberal Party has tended to adopt a more welcoming immigration stance, appealing to immigrant communities and strengthening its support base. The Conservative Party, on the other hand, has advocated for stricter immigration policies. The influence of the Indian diaspora, particularly the Sikh community, has made immigration and diaspora engagement a focal point for both parties.
Vote Banks and Electoral Strategies
The Indian diaspora, especially those from Punjab, constitute a significant vote bank in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia. This has increased political engagement with the Indian community, with parties often tailoring their campaigns to win their favor. Such vote bank politics have created dilemmas in addressing issues like extremism, as some leaders fear alienating influential sections of the diaspora, potentially influencing their handling of issues that impact Indo-Canada relations.
Challenges of Illegal Immigration and Related Issues
Illegal Immigration and Crime
Illegal immigration to Canada brings challenges related to gang violence, narcotics trafficking, and even anti-India sentiment among specific segments of the population. These issues not only strain Canada’s social fabric but also impact international relations, as some groups use Canadian soil to engage in anti-India activities.
Anti-India Sentiment and Political Implications
The anti-India sentiment, often stemming from certain fringe elements within Canada’s diaspora communities, has impacted diplomatic relations. Canadian leadership has faced criticism for not taking more robust measures against individuals and groups involved in activities that target Indian officials, institutions, and communities in Canada. The recent attack at a Hindu temple in Brampton and disruptions, an event hosted by the Indian High Commission to provide the Indian senior citizens with “Life Certificates,” exemplify these challenges, further straining the relationship between the two nations.
Violation of International and Geneva Conventions on Diplomatic Freedom
The recent actions by the Canadian government, involving surveillance and monitoring of Indian diplomatic officials, raise serious concerns regarding breaches of international protocols. The Geneva Conventions, alongside the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, provide clear guidelines on the treatment and freedom of diplomats, ensuring they can operate without undue interference, surveillance, or harassment.
Monitoring Indian officials through physical, audio, and video surveillance represents a gross violation of these treaties, which safeguard diplomats’ right to conduct their duties securely and without infringement on their privacy or freedom. Such actions undermine the integrity of diplomatic relations and set a concerning precedent that erodes the sanctity of international norms.
Canada’s obligations under these treaties necessitate respect and protection for foreign diplomats on its soil, making these actions not only diplomatically insensitive but legally questionable. For Indo-Canada relations to progress constructively, Canada must urgently address and rectify these violations, reaffirming its commitment to international conventions and the fundamental principles of diplomatic conduct.
Track II Diplomacy: NSA Dialogue and the Path Forward
In a significant move toward easing tensions, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) recently met with his Canadian counterpart as part of Track II diplomacy. This dialogue underscores the importance of establishing a roadmap that addresses core issues while fostering constructive engagement. An essential outcome of this dialogue is the need for the Canadian government to assure all communities of Indian origin of their safety.
There must be a visible commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of the Indian diaspora, along with an unequivocal assurance that Canada will uphold international diplomatic norms, ensuring the safety, privacy, and freedom of Indian diplomats. Moreover, demonstrated action against those who incite violence or threaten the Indian diaspora will not only reinforce Canada’s commitment to peace but also set a precedent for how multicultural democracies address internal and external pressures. These Track II efforts highlight the critical role of diplomacy in diffusing tensions and fostering bilateral goodwill.
Role of Indian Diaspora in Soft Power Diplomacy
The Indian government has sought to strengthen its influence by supporting the Indian diaspora in Canada, using soft power as a diplomatic tool. Reaching out to the various Indian associations has played a role in mobilizing the diaspora to build stronger ties between India and Canada. By fostering positive engagement, the Indian government hopes to counterbalance anti-India narratives and encourage Canada’s political establishment to address these concerns more proactively.
Canadian Liberal Party and Five Eyes Coalition Concerns
Recently, Canada’s Liberal Party invoked the Five Eyes alliance regarding domestic issues affecting India, a move that India perceived as an overreach into its internal affairs. Such actions impact bilateral relations and signal a more significant problem of politicizing international alliances. India’s criticism highlights Canada’s need to be cautious when using multilateral alliances to manage issues better through direct bilateral dialogue.
Pathways Forward
The Indo-Canadian relationship is multilayered with a deep historical foundation intertwined with contemporary challenges. While illegal immigration, extremism, and anti-India activities pose ongoing issues, areas of mutual interest such as trade, education, and technology can strengthen ties. To improve relations, both countries must collaborate.
- Enhanced Dialogue. Regular diplomatic dialogues to address shared security concerns and extremist activities.
- Reformed immigration policies. Strengthening immigration policies to prevent illegal entry and monitor extremist activities effectively.
- Leveraging the Diaspora Positively. The Indian diaspora’s constructive involvement in fostering cultural and economic ties is encouraged, while divisive elements are discouraged.
- Focus on trade and technological partnerships. Expanding areas of cooperation in trade, technology, and education to foster a relationship based on mutual economic benefit.
By addressing these issues thoughtfully, Canada and India can build a relationship that respects each nation’s sovereignty while promoting a collaborative future.
The role of the Indian diaspora in Canada remains critical, as their growing political and economic influence can bridge the divide, fostering positive change and further solidifying India’s soft power presence globally.