US-India Ties Dangle Darkly On Sikh Separatist Kill Plot

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The debate now centers around whether to unseal and make this indictment public immediately, or await the completion of Canadian investigations before its disclosure.

Pannun has been organizing a symbolic referendum on an independent Khalistan in San Francisco. India perceives the activities of pro-Khalistan leaders as a threat to its sovereignty.

People line up outside for the Khalistan referendum vote at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on October 29, 2023. India views the activities of pro-Khalistan activists as a threat to its sovereignty. Photo: The Canadian Press via The Conversation / Ethan Cairns
India's differing responses

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the White House statement. Nevertheless, the White House statement conveyed that their Indian counterparts“expressed surprise and concern” upon the issue being raised with them. Indian officials reiterated that extrajudicial killing is not reflective of Indian government policy.

The contrast in the Indian government's response to the Canadian and US announcements is intriguing. India vehemently denied Canada's allegations and dismissed the claims as“absurd .”

Furthermore, New Delhi heightened diplomatic tensions by issuing a travel warning to its citizens in Canada, halting visa services and threatening to revoke the immunity of Canadian diplomats in India.

From the perspective of the Indian government, relations with Canada are not deemed strategically crucial. Consequently, India appears willing to weather a temporary strain in relations and can afford to allow them to be derailed for a few years.

However, India's relations with the US hold immense strategic significance . Given the ongoing border disputes with China and Beijing's escalating assertiveness, there exists a tangible threat to India's territorial sovereignty.

Recognizing the power asymmetry with China, India finds it imperative to cultivate a closer strategic partnership with the US. Conversely, the US sees India as pivotal to its Indo-Pacific strategy , which is aimed at counterbalancing China's growing influence.

The US has actively supported India's economic and military growth to foster a power balance in the Asian region.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being behind the assassination of a Sikh separatist in June 2023. Photo: AP via The Candadian Press / Sean Kilpatrick / The Conversation

The great power rivalry between the US and China aligns with India's national interests. However, India seeks a stable rivalry, cautious of overly hostile relations that could potentially entangle it in the US-China conflict. Simultaneously, if relations were to improve between the US and China, India could risk losing its current strategic significance.