India-Canada standoff

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations linking the Indian government to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada has set off a dimplomatic crisis between the two countries. Trudeau has urged India to work with Canada in 'uncovering the truth', while India, on its part, has rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated". Canada took the first step by expelling an Indian diplomat -- the head of the Indian intelligence agency -- posted in Ottawa. India, in response, too, expelled a Canadian diplomat based in New Delhi. On September 21, India suspended visa services in Canada, including e-visa services. This came a day after it issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Canada, as well as a caution for the Indian community in Canada, saying they could be "targeted".

The crisis has highlighted the resurfacing of the problem of Khalistan in India-Canada relations. India has called Canada a "safe haven” for “terrorists, extremists and organised crime”.

The diplomatic standoff also has geopolitical implications for India. If the allegations are proven true, India stands to damage its G20 reputation. The diplomatic crisis also extends to countries which share ties with both India and Canada. Canada is a part of the G7 grouping and shares the table with the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. It also shares intelligence with the Five Eyes grouping — with the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, India has the Quad partnership with the US, Australia, and Japan.