India-Canada ties are having a summer thaw. Now we need answers on Kanishka bombing

While Canada condemns terror acts, those designated as terrorists by Indian authorities continue to roam freely in the country—with no apparent fear of the consequences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Canadian PM Mark Carney | Photo: X/@narendramodi

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing. And India-Canada relations seem to be witnessing an Indian summer, undergoing a thaw after the nearly year–long diplomatic freeze. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Alberta last week, where he attended the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, has led to optimism in diplomatic circles. There is also much cheer at the resumption of diplomatic services between India and Canada.

However, Canada’s silence on the Kanishka bombing—the worst bombing in aviation history, where 329 people lost their lives—remains salt in the wounds of the loved ones of the victims. While the Canadian authorities condemn these acts of terror, activists designated as terrorists by the Indian authorities continue to roam freely in the country with no apparent fear of the consequences of their actions.

Right-thinking people, officials, and leaders in both countries must watch with caution since Canadian soil is still being used for anti-India and anti-Hindu activities.

Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi and through its ‘Vishwamitra’ policy, India has earned its well-deserved place on the diplomatic dining table. Carney has rightfully acknowledged India’s importance in the G7 and the larger geopolitical space. It is the 7th largest country in terms of sheer size and the fourth largest economy at USD 4.2 trillion. The most populous country with about 60 per cent youth, it is central to supply chains as well. Carney made the right call by extending an invitation to PM Modi, albeit last minute.

The freeze

Over the last few years, Canada has allowed free run of its territory to Khalistan terrorists. They have not only engaged in criminal intimidation of Indian diplomats and leaders but also indulged in terrorist activities on Indian soil. In 2021, the New Democratic Party, led by pro-Khalistan leader Jagmeet Singh, was key to Justin Trudeau’s victory.

For over 40 years, India hasn’t forgotten the Kanishka bombing. Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, ignored a request by New Delhi for the extradition of Babbar Khalsa terrorist Talwinder Singh Parmar in 1982.

On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing, Canada identified Mr ‘X’, who was complicit in the attack, but refused to share his identity, citing ‘privacy’ laws. Meanwhile, the previous regime in Canada was all too comfortable in falsely implicating Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma in the alleged killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canada’s soil has been used by anti-India activists in the name of Khalistan, backed by vested interests, including ISI. Justin Trudeau’s public accusation of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar was the proverbial final straw, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats.

From deadlock to diplomacy

Carney’s olive branch, the invitation to the G7 Summit, was graciously accepted by PM Modi despite geopolitical uncertainty. The two leaders had a bilateral meeting in Kananaskis on the sidelines of the Summit.

“The leaders reaffirmed the importance of India-Canada ties, based on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underlined the need to pursue a constructive and balanced partnership,” read a PIB release.

The two countries have agreed to the return of high commissioners, positions that were vacant since the targeting of Verma last year. They will also resume full visa services and consular facilities. Ministerial level talks will also be resumed to bring about a modicum of trust in India-Canada relations.

Lots of positive winds are flowing, including prospective collaboration in clean energy, food security, critical minerals, higher education, mobility, and supply chains. Negotiations that had reached an impasse on the EPTA (Early Progress Trade Agreement) are likely to resume to pave the way for CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). The two countries have also reaffirmed their commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.

Modi and Carney have also agreed to stay in touch and make concerted efforts to meet at the earliest opportunity. A much-needed thaw based on mutual respect seems to be the return gift from PM Modi’s Canadian visit.

Recalibration requires reworking

A lingering flavour of caution remains. Indian diplomats experienced the most harrowing experience when they feared for their lives and safety during the repeated attacks by pro–Khalistan activists, in clear violation of the Vienna Convention. High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and his wife were attacked by sword–bearing miscreants in Alberta. Between 2023-24, there were numerous attacks on Indian High Commissions, including even incidents of grenade-throwing.

There have been numerous instances where Hindu temples all over Canada were defaced and vandalised by miscreants claiming to be sympathetic to the Khalistan cause. The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto, Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton are among those defaced with anti–Hindu posters and graffiti.

Posters targeting Indian diplomats were removed by volunteers from Bharat Mata Temple in Brampton. Many Indians watched in agonised dismay the videos of assaults on Hindu worshippers. In one such video, the police discriminated against Hindus who were protesting the desecration of their temples.

While Modi and Carney have discussed topics ranging from trade to consular ties, how do we ensure that Hindus feel safe in Canada? The elephant in the room has to be talked about with more clarity.

Diaspora, diplomacy, and divide

Hindus comprise 2.3 per cent of the Canadian population, with over 8,30,000 Canadians practising Hinduism—as compared to 2.1 per cent Sikhs, amounting to 7,70,000 people. It must be remembered that only a small fraction of the Sikhs in Canada support the anti–India activists who have branded themselves as pro-Khalistan. The optics, rhetoric, and loud jingoism, however, have branded the entire Canadian political system as anti-India.

Canada cannot afford to alienate a community of scientists, businessmen, and hard–working immigrants, who are beginning to voice their own reply to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s “Leave Canada, go back to India” posturing.

Indian students are a cash cow for the Canadian economy. In 2022 alone, they contributed approximately CAD 10.2 billion out of a total of CAD 22.3 billion generated by international students in Canada in 2022. A whopping 40 per cent of all international students, they support not only Canadian educational institutions but also prop up local economies through rent, food, transport, and general consumption.

Canadian authorities must create the confidence that Indians are safe in Canada, and Carney has been provided with a huge diplomatic opportunity to do so. The optics of the Carney–Modi handshake may give a burgeoning boost to the tourist economy—India is among the top source countries for tourists visiting Canada. But Indians spending their hard-earned money would like to be assured of their safety. And as long as those responsible for the Kanishka attack remain protected in Canada, Indian respect is going to be like the mythical chimaera.

A Canadian rapper has misrepresented and disrespected the goddess Kali in an explicit video, highlighting utter disregard for Hinduism. In all likelihood, it’s an act of agent provocateurs and is seen as just that by the more tolerant Hindu community. The truth remains, however, that such nuisance makers are hard to ignore.

Veteran journalist and Khalistan expert, Terry Milewski, writes about the Kanishka bombings in the foreword to On Angels’ Wings: Beyond the Bombing of Air India 182:

“Justice was denied. Witnesses were intimidated or murdered. Wiretaps were inexplicably erased. Crucial evidence was discarded or ruled inadmissible on grounds that often seemed bizarre. A stinging sense of betrayal left some of the family members barely able to speak.”

The loved ones of the victims of the Kanishka bombing, like aviation expert Sanjay Lazar, who lost his entire family, have waited 40 years. At the very least, they deserve a memorial site where they can mourn. Building such a memorial will go a long way in establishing goodwill.

The true reparation and reconciliation can be achieved under the present leadership, guided by international law and the principles of the UN Human Rights Office.

Let this relationship be strategic, permanent, and one that ensures long-term stability and prosperity.

Meenakashi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.

(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)