Khalistani’ ‘Doom loop’ and the promise of India-Canada relations
- Foreign Affairs journal
- 18(1-2), Jan -Jun, 2023: p.68-84
India-Canada relations have deteriorated in recent moth. This essay rogues that ‘Diaspora politics’ have become entrenched in the Canadian electoral democratic process. India–Canada relations have entered a period of diplomatic strain, marked by mutual distrust and policy recalibration. This essay argues that diaspora politics, particularly the influence of Khalistani separatist elements within Canada, have become deeply embedded in the Canadian electoral and democratic process. The entrenchment of such ideologies has created a “doom loop”—a cycle where domestic political incentives in Canada conflict with bilateral cooperation, undermining trust and shared strategic interests. The situation escalated following allegations by Canadian authorities regarding Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India strongly denied. The broader implications include stalled trade negotiations, suspended visa services, and a decline in diplomatic engagement, despite the historical promise of robust India–Canada ties based on shared democratic values and economic potential. – Reproduced