Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent aggressive stance towards India comes as his popularity at home declines. With issues such as the rising cost of living, healthcare struggles, and increasing crime, Trudeau’s approval ratings have plummeted, with a recent Ipsos poll showing just 26% of respondents favoring him as the best candidate for PM, compared to 45% for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau’s Liberal Party has faced recent electoral losses, and support from Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party, which has ties to pro-Khalistan elements, has also wavered.
Trudeau’s stance on Sikh separatists, particularly those supporting the Khalistan movement, is seen as an attempt to woo Canada’s politically significant Sikh community ahead of the 2025 elections. Canada is home to over 770,000 Sikhs, with some backing the demand for an independent Khalistan.
Tensions between India and Canada have been escalating for years, worsened by Trudeau’s handling of pro-Khalistan activities in Canada. His government has allowed protests and processions by Khalistani supporters, including those that glorify the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The relationship hit a low in 2023 when Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, allegations India denied. This led to diplomatic stand-offs, including halted trade talks and reduced visa processing.
Trudeau’s father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, also faced strained relations with India over his handling of Khalistani extremism during the 1980s. This history of strained ties between the two countries is now resurfacing with renewed tensions.
