Will this affect India’s ties with the US and Canada?
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have flourished in recent years, with each side seeing the other as a major partner in the push to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
In June, these ties were elevated further when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first state visit to the US and was hosted by President Joe Biden with much fanfare.
With the assassination allegations, this friendship could be severely tested – but unlikely to be seriously damaged, experts told CNA.
“India needs the United States, as well as US’ partners including Canada, Australia, United Kingdom … because of its national security challenges, and particularly the challenge of China,” Prof Hall noted, adding that Delhi would have to tread carefully.
With Canada, however, the accusation of India’s involvement led to a bitter diplomatic rift with tit-for-tat envoy expulsions and travel advisories warning citizens of anti-Canadian and anti-Indian sentiments.
Observers tied this to a “thin and somewhat fractious relationship” between the countries.
Canada is home to the largest Sikh population outside India, with some 770,000 of them making up about 2 per cent of the population.
“There’s a sizable Sikh vote within Canada that is very critical of India and over a number of different issues for several decades now,” said Prof Hall.
India has for its part repeatedly accused Ottawa of tolerating “terrorists and extremists”, in reference to support in Canada for the Khalistan movement.
Source: CNA
