Why should the Indian diaspora in Canada worry?

India-Canada dispute: Indian diaspora caught in crossfire

The India-Canada diplomatic standoff has escalated to unprecedented levels, with the Indian diaspora in Canada finding itself in an increasingly precarious position. The situation took a serious turn when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India quickly dismissed the allegations, calling them “absurd” and politically driven. Subsequently, both countries have expelled diplomats, adding fuel to already strained relations.

Amidst these diplomatic exchanges, the Indian diaspora in Canada is caught in a delicate balancing act – worried about deteriorating bilateral relations and the impact it could have on their lives. This is causing deep uneasiness among the Indian diaspora, especially the Sikh community, which is now at the center of growing tensions. Many feel caught in the crossfire as anti-India sentiment rises in some parts of Canada. Canadian authorities are struggling to manage these rising tensions, which have been fueled by vocal extremists from pro-Khalistan groups. This has created an atmosphere of discomfort and in some cases heightened security concerns for Hindus and other Indian communities living in Canada.

India-Canada Conflict: Why the Indian Diaspora Should Be Concerned

India-Canada dispute: Indian diaspora caught in crossfire

The India-Canada diplomatic standoff has escalated to unprecedented levels, with the Indian diaspora in Canada finding itself in an increasingly precarious position. The situation took a serious turn when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India quickly dismissed the allegations, calling them “absurd” and politically driven. Subsequently, both countries have expelled diplomats, adding fuel to already strained relations.

Amidst these diplomatic exchanges, the Indian diaspora in Canada is caught in a delicate balancing act – worried about deteriorating bilateral relations and the impact it could have on their lives. This is causing deep uneasiness among the Indian diaspora, especially the Sikh community, which is now at the center of growing tensions. Many feel caught in the crossfire as anti-India sentiment rises in parts of Canada. Canadian authorities are struggling to manage these rising tensions, which have been fueled by vocal extremists from pro-Khalistan groups. This has created an atmosphere of discomfort and in some cases heightened security concerns for Hindus and other Indian communities living in Canada.

India-Canada Conflict: Why the Indian Diaspora Should Be Concerned

Canada, home to the world’s largest Indian diaspora population, is now grappling with the fallout from the Indo-Canada diplomatic standoff. With approximately 1.3 million residents of Indian origin, constituting about 4% of the Canadian population, there are growing concerns about the effects on immigration policies, student visas, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The recent tensions have fueled anti-India sentiments, especially among pro-Khalistani groups in Canada, which has raised alarm bells in the Indian community. Reports indicate that the Indian diaspora, especially those who are Hindu or who openly express support for India, may face harassment or discrimination in both social and professional settings.

Security concerns also loom large, underscored by alarming statistics. Historically, there have been many instances of violence against Indians in Canada, including attacks that have sometimes resulted in death. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Canada remains the top destination for Indian students studying abroad, with over 400,000 Indian students currently enrolled there. However, a disturbing trend has emerged: Indian government reports indicate that at least 633 Indian students have died abroad in the past five years, with 172 of those incidents occurring in Canada.

Many of these tragic deaths have been linked to acts of violence, including murder, further raising concerns among the Indian community in Canada. A recent case that highlights the dire situation is that of Jashandeep Singh Mann, an Indian-origin student from Punjab, who was brutally stabbed to death in Alberta in September. According to Canadian authorities, Mann was attacked by an unknown assailant.

Earlier, the inquiry reported on the incident of another Indian student, Chirag Antill, who was killed in a shooting in Vancouver in April this year. Such violent incidents have intensified long-standing concerns about the safety of the Indian community in Canada, particularly as the ongoing India-Canada standoff has added fuel to the fire. As the diplomatic conflict unfolds, fears of escalating hostilities and violence are mounting, leaving many in the diaspora feeling insecure and uncertain about their safety in the country they once considered a haven.

If security concerns weren’t enough, many members of the Indian diaspora in Canada also face racial discrimination and hate crimes that manifest in various aspects of their daily lives, including employment, education and social interactions. Many South Asians report experiences of racial profiling and systemic bias, which often lead to negative outcomes in the workplace – barriers to career advancement and unequal pay.

The frustration is palpable within the community, with many Indians using social media platforms to voice their displeasure. “Man, I was born here, and I feel racism now, and I never felt that way growing up,” shared one user on Reddit. Another said, “I have been living in Canada for the past four years and have seen increasing racism and hatred towards Indians. Trudeau has completely destroyed the Canadian economy with his vigilante politics, and now every issue is being blamed on Indians. A third comment clearly stated, “Canadians are more racist towards Asians and Indians than any other people. Vancouver is the capital of Asian hate in the Western world. Instead of asking your government not to accept more immigrants or to make sure immigrants save enough money to have a good time in Canada, They are going to attack the Indians”.

The ongoing Indo-Canada conflict is expected to further strain bilateral relations, affecting cooperation in various areas such as trade, education and technology. This tension can lead to a reduction in investment opportunities and business collaborations, which will greatly affect Indian entrepreneurs and professionals in Canada. Furthermore, the disruption is expected to lead to increased scrutiny for Indian citizens, including stricter immigration rules and possible delays or denials of visa and student applications – consequences that could stifle the aspirations of countless students and skilled workers in India.

On online platforms, various groups have emerged, allowing Indians to speak out against the hatred they face in Canada. Unfortunately, there seem to be no legitimate channels to address their concerns. As for the leaders of both nations, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Modi may find themselves politically insulated; Both are in their third term and face several domestic challenges. They see nationalist leaders taking extreme measures to defend their country, potentially benefiting politically from heightened tensions. In this geopolitical chess game, the biggest losers are members of the Indian diaspora in Canada, who are caught in a spiral of escalating conflict and social discord.