Widespread impact from the Indian conflict

Diplomatic tensions escalate.

Relations between India and Canada have plummeted since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinted that Indian intelligence was involved in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader who held Canadian citizenship.

Ảnh hưởng lan rộng từ mâu thuẫn Ấn Độ - Canada - Ảnh 1. — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau *(left)* and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting in September.

According to AFP, Nijjar immigrated to Canada in 1997, advocating for the establishment of a Sikh state separate from India, and was wanted by New Delhi authorities on charges of terrorism and conspiracy to murder. He was shot dead by two masked men in the parking lot of a temple near Vancouver, Canada, in June.

In September, the two sides engaged in tit-for-tat diplomatic and travel exchanges following accusations by Prime Minister Trudeau, which India vehemently denied. Earlier this week, Canada announced it had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India one day before a deadline set by New Delhi, "to ensure the safety" of them and their dependents.

"Stripping 41 diplomats of their diplomatic immunity is not only unprecedented, but also contrary to international law," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly declared, adding that Ottawa would not retaliate in order to avoid escalating the situation.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the request to Canada was "within the framework of international rules." "The significantly higher number of Canadian diplomats in India and their continued interference in our internal affairs necessitate a balance in reciprocal diplomatic presence," the Indian side stated.

On October 20, Canada announced a temporary suspension of in-person operations at several consulates in Indian cities including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reduced its staff in India from 27 to 5, warning that visa processing times could be affected. Prior to this, India had temporarily suspended visa issuance procedures in Canada.

Millions of people were affected.

In a press conference on October 20, Prime Minister Trudeau said that India's actions against diplomats were causing difficulties for millions of people in both countries because their travel, trade, and education would be affected. Approximately 2 million Canadians (5% of the population) have Indian ancestry, while Indian students make up the largest number (40%) of international students studying in Canada.

Meanwhile, concerns have emerged that diplomatic tensions will spill over into trade and investment. However, two senior Indian government sources told Reuters that New Delhi has no plans to impose import or investment restrictions from Ottawa. Total bilateral trade in 2022 was $8 billion. Canada has invested more than $3.6 billion in India, with over 40% of that going into services and infrastructure.

In light of these developments, Canada's two allies, the United States and the United Kingdom, urged India not to insist on Ottawa reducing its diplomatic presence. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concern about the removal of Canadian diplomats from India and stated that Washington and London are calling on New Delhi to cooperate in the investigation into Mr. Nijjar's death.

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