In a tit-for-tat move, India expelled a Canadian envoy as the controversy over the assassinated Sikh activist grew.

In a tit-for-tat move, India expelled a Canadian envoy as the controversy over the assassinated Sikh activist grew. 

The decision came amidst escalating tensions between the two countries, with India accusing Canada of interfering in its internal affairs. The incident has further strained the already delicate relationship between the two nations, raising concerns about the future of bilateral ties.

The controversy revolves around the assassination of Jaspal Atwal, a Sikh activist, during his visit to India in 2018. Atwal was convicted of attempting to assassinate an Indian cabinet minister in Canada in 1986. His presence at an official event during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India sparked outrage and led to a diplomatic row between the two countries.

India accused Canada of harboring and supporting Sikh separatists, who seek an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan. The Indian government believes that Canada's lenient stance towards Sikh separatists has emboldened them and allowed them to carry out anti-India activities. The expulsion of the Canadian envoy was seen as a strong message from India, signaling its displeasure with Canada's alleged support for Sikh separatists.

Canada, on the other hand, has denied any involvement in supporting Sikh separatists and has maintained that it respects India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Canadian government has repeatedly stated that it does not support any form of violence or terrorism. However, India remains unconvinced and has accused Canada of turning a blind eye to the activities of Sikh separatists on its soil.

The expulsion of the Canadian envoy is not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of a series of events that have strained the relationship between the two countries. In 2017, Canada's Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan, a Sikh himself, was denied entry into India by the Indian government. The move was seen as a snub by India, which accused Sajjan of being sympathetic to Sikh separatists.

The issue of Sikh separatism has long been a contentious one between India and Canada. Canada is home to a large Sikh diaspora, with a significant number of Sikhs supporting the idea of Khalistan. While the Canadian government has maintained that it respects the rights of its citizens to express their views, India sees this as a direct threat to its national security and territorial integrity.

The controversy over the assassinated Sikh activist has further complicated the already complex issue of Sikh separatism. India has accused Canada of not doing enough to curb the activities of Sikh separatists and has called for stronger action to be taken against those who promote violence and terrorism. Canada, on the other hand, has emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The expulsion of the Canadian envoy has raised concerns about the future of bilateral ties between India and Canada. Both countries have a lot to gain from a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and education. However, the current tensions threaten to overshadow these potential benefits and hinder cooperation between the two nations.

It is crucial for both India and Canada to find a way to address their differences and move towards a more constructive relationship. This can only be achieved through open and honest dialogue, where both countries can express their concerns and work towards finding common ground. It is essential for Canada to reassure India that it does not support any form of violence or terrorism and that it respects India's sovereignty. Similarly, India needs to understand Canada's position and acknowledge the rights of its citizens to express their views within the boundaries of the law.

In conclusion, the expulsion of the Canadian envoy in response to the controversy over the assassinated Sikh activist has further strained the relationship between India and Canada. The issue of Sikh separatism has long been a contentious one between the two countries, with India accusing Canada of supporting Sikh separatists. It is crucial for both nations to engage in open and honest dialogue to address their differences and find common ground. The future of bilateral ties between India and Canada depends on their ability to resolve these issues and move towards a more constructive relationship.