India-Canada Diplomatic Strain: Navigating Politics and Diaspora Dynamics

Raja Mohan, a prominent foreign affairs expert from Carnegie India, discusses the complex political landscape influenced by diaspora communities, with a focus on Canada. Highlighting differences in U.S. and Canadian politics regarding Khalistani groups, Mohan suggests Canada learn from Australia's handling of delicate issues.

Amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, foreign affairs expert Raja Mohan of Carnegie India has shed light on the intricate political dynamics influenced by diaspora communities, particularly within Canada. Mohan emphasizes the contrasting approach taken by the Biden administration in the U.S., which, unlike Canada, avoids leveraging Khalistani groups for political gain.

The discussion formed part of a podcast by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, where Mohan pointed out that while both nations engage in 'retail politics,' Canada's internal dynamics are heavily influenced by a small extremist faction within the Sikh community, a factor increasingly significant since Prime Minister Trudeau's tenure.

Mohan further highlighted that countries like Australia, the U.S., and Britain grapple with similar issues. However, he identified Canada's situation as particularly extreme due to its historical integration of Indian immigrants in domestic politics. Suggesting a private resolution strategy akin to Australia's, Mohan criticized Canada's public politicization of such issues amid escalating India-Canada tensions following allegations of India's involvement in attacks on Khalistani activists, which India has vehemently denied.

(With inputs from agencies.)