Trudeau became increasingly unpopular at home because of his poor handling of the country’s economy and immigration policy apart from repeated diplomatic goof-ups, angering India
The resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau brings down the curtains on a tumultuous phase in the bilateral relations with India that was marked by serious misunderstandings and tit-for-tat moves. Apart from repeated diplomatic goof-ups, angering India, Trudeau became increasingly unpopular at home because of his poor handling of the country’s economy and immigration policy. Internal dissidence has been growing steadily as senior members of his Liberal Party have questioned his leadership and handling of key issues. Trudeau’s biggest blunder came when he claimed, on the floor of the Canadian Parliament, that Indian agents were behind the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver in June 2023. This demonstrated his diplomatic and political immaturity. As it turned out, the statement was based on “intelligence” and not “hard evidentiary proof”. Despite repeated push by India, the Canadian government has not shared any actionable evidence on the matter. It declared senior Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the case. By such irresponsible actions, Trudeau set the bilateral relationship on a downward spiral. Over decades, Canada has provided safe sanctuary to anti-India elements openly calling for secession, taking out rallies glorifying the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and asking Hindus to leave Canada. Clearly, Trudeau pursued a dangerous appeasement policy for political survival. His desperate moves were aimed at playing to the gallery, especially the supporters of Khalistan. These include members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Jagmeet Singh. The NDP’s support was vital for Trudeau as the Liberals were in a minority. India was left with no option other than asking Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in New Delhi. Consequently, in October 2023, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats.
By antagonising an old ally that has been contributing significantly to the Canadian economy through its students and skilled workers, the Trudeau administration has done an immense harm to bilateral ties. With his departure, New Delhi will be hoping to work with the new leadership to reset the bilateral relationship. Trudeau’s exit provides a chance for a deeper structural relook at bilateral engagement. The uncertainty in the Canadian visa regime vis-a-vis India is a cause for concern for thousands of students and workers, and has resonance in the diaspora. It is important that Canadian politicians address these concerns as well as those around separatists operating from the country’s soil — rather than appeasing the most radical fringe of the diaspora. That can be a step towards rebuilding a relationship that has great potential for both countries. The current political situation in Canada is fluid. In power for almost a decade, the Liberals are battling strong anti-incumbency. Trudeau’s exit may well have come too late for the Liberals to salvage their fortunes. The Conservatives are pushing for early elections, in which, it is widely believed, they will have the upper hand.
