Why Canada Lacks Support from Allies over the Killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

 

PM Narendra Modi PM Justin Trudeau during the G20 summit in New Delhi

Canada's Allegations and Its Allies' Silence: It's India-China Equation that Canada Stands Alone in Its Accusations

Canada's recent allegations regarding Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil have not been echoed by its key allies, including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, all part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing alliance.

Instead, these allies have expressed their concerns and called for thorough investigations. The reluctance to condemn India is primarily attributed to the allies' focus on bolstering ties with India as a counterbalance to China's growing influence and assertiveness.

Stephanie Carvin, a professor of international relations at Ottawa's Carleton University, noted, "India is important in Western calculations for balancing China, and Canada is not," emphasizing Canada's isolation on this issue among Western nations.

Beyond the China factor, India's rapidly growing economy and its projection as a significant global power with over 1.4 billion people and a substantial military make it challenging for Canada's main allies to speak out against India.

Janice Stein, a political scientist at the Munk School of Global Affairs in Toronto, stated, "I think Australia, US, and UK did about what was expected," emphasizing that these countries are unlikely to confront India as long as they need India to counter China.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially spoke of "credible allegations" of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing and even engaged in a diplomatic expulsion tit-for-tat with India. However, he later tempered his rhetoric, indicating that Canada was not seeking to provoke or escalate the situation.

The situation presents a dilemma for the UK, which is pursuing a free trade deal with India. While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman, Max Blain, clarified that the trade talks would not incorporate this issue.

Chietigj Bajpaee, an India expert at the Chatham House think tank in London, suggested that unless there is definitive evidence of India's involvement, the UK's response is likely to remain muted, as a free trade deal holds significant political significance for both India and Britain.

The Biden administration, despite expressing deep concern over the allegations, seems to be offering more moral support than substantive action, possibly preferring to let Canada and India handle the matter bilaterally.

In conclusion, while Canada has made allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing, its key allies have been cautious in their response due to their broader strategic interests, particularly in countering China. This situation poses diplomatic challenges for Canada and underscores the complex dynamics of international relations in an evolving global landscape.ems inclined to offer more moral support than substantive action, opting for a cryptic approach, allowing the issue to unfold as a bilateral matter between the enigmatic capitals of Ottawa and New Delhi.

In conclusion, this perplexing scenario illuminates the intricacies of global geopolitics and the intricate dance that nations must perform when their strategic interests converge with the shadowy realm of international concerns.

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