©MEA
India Rejects Canada’s Allegations, Weighs Diplomatic Response
India has firmly rejected Canada’s accusations involving Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a strong statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed India’s stance and warned of potential retaliation against what it termed Canada’s “concocted allegations.”
India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions
According to several officials and former diplomats, India has several diplomatic options to respond to Canada’s actions. Former High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria criticized Canada’s move as an “absurd measure” and a “needless escalation” of an already strained diplomatic relationship. Bisaria further added that the Canadian government should reconsider its stance, given the potential consequences on the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Diplomatic and Economic Measures on the Table
India’s immediate decision involves whether to retain High Commissioner Verma in Canada or recall him. This could result in both India and Canada lacking high commissioners, similar to the 2019 situation with Pakistan. India may also downsize its diplomatic mission in Ottawa and demand similar actions from the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. In October 2023, after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation regarding Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing, India expelled 41 Canadian diplomats, significantly downsizing Canada’s diplomatic presence.
Beyond diplomatic moves, India could also consider economic measures, such as slowing imports from Canada, increasing tariffs, or scrutinizing Canadian investments more closely. India has previously taken similar steps against China, which impacted their bilateral trade relations.
Visa and Travel Restrictions
Another potential response is cutting off visas for Canadian citizens, which India has done in the past. In September 2023, India suspended visa processing for Canadians due to security concerns. Any further cancellations could severely impact the Indian diaspora in Canada, especially those needing to travel for personal reasons. The suspension of direct flights between the two nations, similar to what occurred between India and China during the COVID pandemic, is another possible move.
India’s options remain varied, and the next steps are expected to shape the future of India-Canada relations.
