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India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has expressed deep concern over the current state of relations between India and Canada, stating that it is 'difficult to imagine' how the relationship reached this point. This statement comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries, stemming from allegations of Canadian involvement in Sikh separatism in India.
The deterioration in India-Canada relations began after Canada accused India of involvement in the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. India strongly denied these allegations, calling them 'absurd' and a 'political stunt'. The situation further escalated when Canada expelled an Indian diplomat and imposed sanctions on an Indian intelligence agency.
In response, India retaliated by summoning the Canadian High Commissioner and imposing similar sanctions on a Canadian official. This tit-for-tat exchange has led to a significant strain in bilateral ties, with both countries expressing their displeasure and accusing each other of interference in internal affairs.
Jaishankar's statement reflects the seriousness of the situation and the deep concern within the Indian government over the declining relationship. His words highlight the potential long-term consequences of the current impasse, particularly on economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The current crisis has brought to the forefront the complex issue of Sikh separatism, a sensitive matter for India. Canada, with its significant Sikh diaspora, has found itself navigating a delicate balance between respecting the rights of its citizens and maintaining good relations with India. This tension is likely to remain a major source of friction in the relationship for the foreseeable future.
Moving forward, both India and Canada will need to find a way to de-escalate the situation and find common ground to address their concerns. This requires dialogue and diplomacy, with both sides acknowledging the importance of respecting each other's sovereignty and internal affairs. Failure to do so could lead to further damage to the already strained relationship and have a negative impact on bilateral cooperation in various areas.
The current crisis serves as a reminder of the fragility of international relations and the importance of open communication and mutual respect. It underscores the need for careful diplomacy and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings and avoid damaging consequences for bilateral ties.
Source: "Difficult To Imagine Current State Of Relations": S Jaishankar On Canada Ties