Justin Trudeau announced his decision to resign as Prime Minister of Canada on January 6, 2024. He asked the Governor General of Canada to postpone Parliament until March 24. News reports have speculated that Justin Trudeau's diplomatic battle with India over the Khalistan issue, which led to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, may have led to his declining popularity, which ultimately led to the resignation of the three-term Prime Minister.
Watch LIVE updates on Justin Trudeau's resignation
On Monday, Trudeau said it had become clear to him that he “cannot be the leader in the next election because of infighting.” He planned to remain prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is elected.
“I don't back down easily when faced with a fight, especially when it is a very important fight for our party and the country. But I do this work because the interests of Canadians and the well-being of democracy are something I hold dear,” he said.
Before Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, there was his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who was Canada's 15th Prime Minister.
In January 1971, Pierre Trudeau toured India for five days. During his visit, he rode a camel, petted a bull, sailed on the Ganges, explored a locomotive factory and admired the Taj Mahal. This story was shared by Gar Pardy, a Canadian Foreign Service officer serving in New Delhi at the time.
The bad blood in Indo-Canada ties actually started with Pierre Trudeau, says a report from India today.
The Khalistan Row: from Pierre to Justin
The diplomatic tensions between Canada and India over the Khalistan movement have deep roots, dating back to the time of Pierre Trudeau. In the early 1980s, his government was criticized for its handling of Khalistani separatists in Canada, with accusations of inaction despite increasing militancy. Pierre Trudeau's unwillingness to confront these issues laid the foundation for continued tensions. This issue resurfaced under Justin Trudeau's leadership, culminating in accusations against India regarding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining relations between the two nations.
Quebec: a parallel challenge
The complexities of dealing with separatist sentiments are not unique to Canada-India relations; they also resonate within Canada itself, especially in relation to Quebec. Historically, Pierre Trudeau's government struggled with Quebec's sovereignty movement, which sought greater autonomy or independence from Canada. His government took a strong stand against separatism in Quebec, especially during the October Crisis of 1970, when civil liberties were suspended to suppress violent protests. This internal challenge reflects the external pressures Canada faces from separatist groups such as those advocating Khalistan, and highlights a recurring theme of balancing national unity with regional aspirations.
The Kanishka bombings: a tragic legacy
One of the most devastating consequences of the Trudeau government's crackdown on Khalistani extremism was the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985. This tragedy, orchestrated by Khalistani militants, resulted in the deaths of 329 passengers and has had a lasting had an impact on Indo-Canadian relations. . Pierre Trudeau's government has faced significant criticism for its failure to act decisively against rising extremism, which many believe contributed to this catastrophic event.
The nuclear reactor row: a complicated history
Another major factor contributing to tense relations is the historical context surrounding nuclear cooperation. In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test using plutonium from a Canadian-supplied reactor. The event prompted Pierre Trudeau's government to withdraw support for India's nuclear energy program, leading to decades of strained ties over nuclear issues. Although attempts at reconciliation were made in 2010 with a nuclear cooperation agreement, the legacy of mistrust remains a crucial element in understanding the complexities of contemporary Indo-Canadian relations.
