Have no lessons been learned from the ongoing devastating conflicts in Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine-Lebanon? They have all emerged from a latent hostility fueled by prejudice and preconceptions. Leaders have exploited these sentiments to win elections or maintain their hold over power, regardless of the impact it may have on national security and their people’s well-being. Despite the consequences, they march down the same path.
Looked at in this context, the continued provocations against India by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, merely for the sake of wooing a small section of fundamentalist voters, reflects an unmatched foolhardiness. Does he think that the distance between the two countries prevents matters from getting out of hand? The allegations regarding the killing of Khalistani activist Harjeet Singh Nijjar, who is presented as a ‘Canadian national’ requiring his government’s support, are absolutely laughable. Is a terrorist’s nationality going to decide whether the consequences of his actions will visit upon him or not? There is a large network of criminal activities involving religion and separatism as cover that Nijjar was a part of, which probably led to his end. The allegation that the government of India planned the killing by involving its highest level of diplomats is a joke. It has been reiterated more than once by India that no substantial proof regarding these allegations have been provided.
Sadly, even though there are no missile attacks being launched against each other, the diplomatic war that has been heightened may be followed by inflicting significant economic and strategic harm on each other.
The failure to extend even basic respect to India not only reveals Trudeau’s entitled and colonial mindset, but also reflects a dangerous recklessness. It has taken decades for the Western powers to rebuild relations with India after the Non-Aligned years and the proximity to the former Soviet Bloc. Part of this has been due to the emergence of China as a common threat. There has been a growing acceptance that India has the right to put its interests first. However, through immature actions like those of Trudeau, this mutual trust is quickly lost. Consider, in comparison, the support being extended to Israel, despite its continued slaughter of civilians.
Caught in this is the large Indian diaspora in Canada that contributes enormously to the economy and culture. Hindus and their temples are under constant threat from a small group of extremists, but Trudeau’s government cares little for that section of ‘Canadian citizens’. Should they be considered ‘prisoners of war’ in the emerging scenario?