blackeyeblitzara day ago
Let’s say India did pursue these people on Canadian soil. Is it their reputation that is hurt or that of Canada? It’s well documented that the remaining adherents of the violent Khalistani separatist movement fled India and found a home in Canada. A lot of the Sikh population in Canada supports that movement. You could look at them as people fighting for sovereignty but you can also look at them as a far more violent version of the groups involved in Jan 6 in the US or Jan 8 in Brazil, since they were threatening the sovereignty of India and were responsible for many terrorist attacks.
That same group ended up being responsible for bombing a civilian airliner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_India_Flight_182) leaving Canada with hundreds of Canadians on board. The follow up to this horrific incident was disappointing:
> The subsequent investigation and prosecution lasted almost twenty years. This was the most expensive trial in Canadian history, costing nearly C$130 million. The two accused, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were both acquitted and found not guilty.
> The Governor General-in-Council in 2006 appointed the former Supreme Court Justice John C. Major to conduct a commission of inquiry. His report, which was completed and released on 17 June 2010, concluded that a "cascading series of errors" by the Government of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had allowed the terrorist attack to take place.
Given all this history, to me it is utterly bizarre that Trudeau cares to defend this dubious group of alleged terrorists more than maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with India. I think it is a huge mistake because we need India as an ally to keep China in check. He knows this, I’m sure. So what’s his motivation? Where does this road end and at what cost?
science4saila day ago
> Given all this history, to me it is utterly bizarre that Trudeau cares to defend this dubious group of alleged terrorists more than maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with India
Setting aside the morality of who is right or wrong: my understanding is that just like in the USA, domestic politics are far more important to Canadian politicians than geopolitical concerns. Trudeau likely feels that he and his political coalition cannot afford to alienate Khalistani supporters - if they do so, then they will lose political power until a new coalition can be formed.
blackeyeblitzara day ago
Can you explain the bit about the coalition? Is that a formal concept in Canadian politics? Or are you just saying that without that support he will not get reelected?
ganeshkrishnana day ago
This is absolutely the US pushing Canada for these events. The whole thing was probably spied on by the five eyes and it's very secretive nature makes it impossible for evidence to be released.
India has been asking for evidence for more than a year.
Surprisingly, India ordered around 32 drones for 3 billion dollars; probably to pacify the US.
Modi should know that the only reason he was being courted was because relationships broke down with Russia and China.
US is trying desperately to make sure that India doesn't strengthen relationships with these two either bilaterally or via BRICS.
Modi is through the looking glass and I hope he is smart enough to know that.
samarthr1a day ago
[flagged]
HexDecOctBina day ago
Surprisingly, despite Canadian PM doing a press conference, the response from India has been MEA level. Indian tactic seems to be to underplay the very status of Canada, essentially implying that it's too small a country for PM's focus or response. So, I don't see this having much electoral impact in India at all. In Canada though? Sure, but that's a different matter.
samarthr1a day ago
Fair enough, though I would expect noise from congress, complaining about lack of domestic consensus on international relations.
Still, all things said and done, I doubt the khalistanis see much support from the congress (considering the past), and not much support from the ruling NDA (considering national welfare).