September 25, 2023
4 mins read

India-Canada Row: Trudeau Walks a Tightrope on World Stage

Trudeau faced the stark reality of standing alone on the world stage, pitted against India, a nation with a population 35 times larger than Canada and a rapidly growing economy….writes Jasneet Bedi

In the hustle and bustle of New York’s United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders converge to discuss the globe’s most pressing issues, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself standing alone, his once-dazzling smile now fading amidst the mounting pressures of international diplomacy.

The spotlight had firmly fixed on Trudeau due to a startling allegation he made earlier in the week, one that sent shockwaves across diplomatic circles and raised eyebrows around the world. Trudeau claimed there was credible evidence suggesting the Indian government’s involvement in the extrajudicial killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. The victim? A Sikh activist, whom India had accused of terrorism.

Delhi vehemently denied any wrongdoing, further complicating an already strained relationship between the two nations.

As reporters pressed Trudeau for answers, he carefully navigated the diplomatic minefield, stating, “We’re not looking to provoke or cause problems. We’re standing up for the rules-based order.” However, one persistent journalist asked the question on everyone’s mind, “Where are Canada’s allies in this hour of need?”

The uncomfortable truth for Trudeau was that, at least in the public eye, he stood virtually alone on the world stage, facing off against India, a nation with a population 35 times greater than Canada’s and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

unjab police seeks extradition of Canada-based Khalistani Hardeep Nijjar.(photo:IN)

While his Five Eyes intelligence alliance partners, including the UK and Australia, expressed concern over the allegations, their support appeared tepid at best, with statements lacking the fervor Trudeau had hoped for. Even Canada’s closest neighbor, the United States, remained conspicuously silent, causing observers to question the depth of their alliance.

President Joe Biden’s praise for India’s contributions to the global economy during his UN speech only fueled further speculation about the US’s stance. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan attempted to downplay any rift, stating that Canada was being closely consulted, but the broader message was clear: Canada’s interests appeared dwarfed by India’s strategic importance in the eyes of its allies.

Xavier Delgado, a researcher at the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, noted, “The United States, the UK, and all these Western and Indo-Pacific allies have built a strategy that largely focuses on India, to be a bulwark and counterweight to China. That’s something they can’t afford to toss out the window.”

The Canadian network CTV reported that the Five Eyes partners had shared intelligence on the matter, but when questioned about whether these allies had rebuffed Canada’s appeal for public condemnation of the murder, US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen remained tight-lipped.

These events spotlighted Canada’s current shortcomings on the global stage. While a dependable Western ally, Canada lacks the “hard power” to influence international affairs decisively. Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute, described the situation as a “moment of weakness” for Canada.

Despite these challenges, few questioned Trudeau’s decision to disclose the allegations publicly, given the gravity of the situation. However, the harsh geopolitical realities meant Trudeau faced days of isolation as tensions with India escalated. Diplomatic expulsions, travel advisories, and the suspension of visa services for Canadians traveling to India only added to the Prime Minister’s woes.

Trudeau’s challenging week unfolded against the backdrop of a difficult summer, marked by issues such as inflation, alleged Chinese interference in Canadian elections, and a controversial prison transfer. As a result, his approval ratings plummeted to a three-year low, with 63% of Canadians expressing disapproval.

Campbell Clark, chief political writer for the Globe and Mail, noted that Trudeau’s once-soaring popularity has waned over eight years in office. Yet, some experts speculate that this international standoff with India may provide Trudeau with a much-needed respite from domestic troubles, offering him a chance to regain his footing.

As Trudeau navigates these treacherous waters, the world watches to see whether he can muster the diplomatic finesse and resilience to reassert Canada’s presence on the global stage and, in the process, resurrect his own political fortunes at home.

(The article first appeared in Khalsa Vox)

ALSO READ: US intel involvement risks ‘ensnaring’ Washington in India-Canada row

ALSO READ: Canada jeopardised ties, says Shashi Tharoor

Previous Story

How Canada Became a Hub for Sikh Extremism

Next Story

Nepal at Crossroads of Geopolitical Change

Latest from -Top News

India fast-tracks FTAs as US drags feet

As India cements its position as a global trading force with a flurry of new free trade agreements, including a landmark pact with the United Kingdom, negotiations with the United States continue

Modi Lands in Malé for Big Day

PM Modi is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu to participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra

Industry Hails India-UK FTA

£34 billion boost, sweeping tariff cuts and market access mark UK’s most ambitious post-Brexit trade pact; Indian sectors set for exports surge…reports Asian Lite News Business leaders from both India and the

India, UK Sign Landmark FTA

The pact is set to make imported goods like Scotch whisky, gin, luxury cars, cosmetics, and medical devices more affordable for Indian consumers….reports Asian Lite News In a landmark moment for India-UK
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Apple iPhone maker Foxconn to invest $1.5 bn in India

Foxconn is the main assembler of Apple iPhones and both

30 more Afghan Sikhs set to land in India

Sikhs’ single largest representative body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has