Mujib Mashal, The New York Times's South Asia bureau chief, breaks down the explosive accusations from Canada against India, claiming state-sponsored assassination of a Sikh leader. He unpacks how this controversy could deepen the rift between Sikhs and Hindus in Canada. The conversation highlights Narendra Modi's political tactics, using such allegations to shift focus from internal issues. Mashal also discusses the muted response from Western allies, revealing the complex web of international relations amid rising tensions.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of assassinating a Sikh community leader on Canadian soil, straining the relationship between the two democratic allies.
The accusation and India's reaction highlight the domestic and international political dynamics, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi projecting strength and other countries refraining from strong condemnations due to India's growing confidence and economic promise.
Deep dives
Justin Trudeau accuses India of involvement in Canadian citizen's assassination
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a serious accusation against India, alleging their involvement in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies have been pursuing credible allegations linking agents of the Indian government to the killing. This accusation is highly unusual, as one democratic ally accusing another of such a crime is unprecedented. The accusation has strained the relationship between Canada and India, resulting in diplomatic expulsions and trade ties being paused.
The background of the victim and the alleged ties to the Sikh separatist movement
The victim, Hardip Singh Nijar, was a 45-year-old Canadian citizen originally from the Indian state of Punjab. He was an active member of the Sikh community and supported the creation of an independent country called Khalistan for Sikhs in Punjab. Khalistan has been a long-standing cause, stemming from the partition of India, and has faced violent periods in the past. While Nijar's activities in Canada were perceived as protected speech, the Indian government considered him a terrorist, accusing him of involvement in violence and bombings within India.
Implications for domestic and international politics
The accusation by Trudeau and the subsequent response by India reveal the domestic and international political dynamics at play. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crafted an image of a strong leader protecting the country against threats, which resonate with his supporters. Accusations of violence and the perception of projecting strength are not seen as detrimental to his political standing. Internationally, the response to Trudeau's accusation has been muted, as countries like the United States and the UK, seeking to develop closer ties with India as a counterbalance to China, have refrained from issuing strong condemnations. The strained relationship between Canada and India underscores India's growing confidence and perception of being indispensable due to its economic promise and geopolitical importance.
Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence.
The relationship between two democratic allies fell to its lowest point in history this week, after Canada accused India of assassinating a Sikh community leader in British Columbia in June.
Mujib Mashal, The Times’s South Asia bureau chief, explains this stunning accusation — and what India’s reaction to it tells us about the era of its leader, Narendra Modi.
Guest: Mujib Mashal, The New York Times’s bureau chief for South Asia.
Background reading:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said agents of India had assassinated a Sikh community leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was fatally shot in British Columbia in June.
Mr. Nijar was a prominent advocate of the creation of an independent Sikh nation that would include parts of India’s Punjab State.
The charge, which the Indian government has strongly rejected, may fuel a rift between Canada’s Sikhs and Hindus.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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