In June 2023, a Sikh separatist leader from India was killed in Canada. Canada is formally investigating the murder as a possible state assassination plot orchestrated by India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the assassination, if true, would be considered “an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.” The situation has caused a widening diplomatic rift between India and Canada.

Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan agrees that the allegations appear credible and breaks down what the consequences might be for the future of Indian-Canadian relations. He notes, importantly, that this also represents a major shift in Indian foreign policy more broadly, which has historically refrained from assassinations.

An excerpt from Zeihan’s Oct. 17 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:

While giving a parliamentary testimony, Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, accused the Indian Government of assassinating a Sikh emigrant living in Canada who supported an Indian separatist group.

Intelligence from the Five Eyes has revealed that Trudeau’s claim was valid. This is significant because it means India is willing to “take care of business” outside its borders and could impact the entire Indian diaspora globally.

This will undoubtedly strain relationships between the Five Eyes and India moving forward, but there are still greater power politics at play. Although India’s stance will tarnish some relationships, it will still benefit from the anti-China actions taken by the West and the rest of the world.