Justin Trudeau’s anti-India gamble: The tough tiff may not save his chair

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, once hailed as a progressive leader who revived the fortunes of the Liberal Party, now finds himself on the verge of political collapse. Trudeau on Monday announced his resignation. Trudeau announced that internal conflicts have made it evident he cannot lead during the next elections. He intends to remain as prime minister until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. This move will end his near-one-decade tenure as Prime Minister, a period marked by both achievements and growing controversies.

Also Read: Justin Trudeau says he is resigning as Canada Prime Minister

Trudeau took the helm of the Liberal Party in 2013 when it was struggling for survival. Reduced to third place in the House of Commons for the first time in history, the party needed a savior. Trudeau delivered, leading the Liberals back to power in 2015. But as his tenure progressed, his credibility waned, and his government became embroiled in scandals and controversies.


Today, Trudeau’s leadership is under siege from multiple fronts. Critics argue that his accusations against India over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are a desperate attempt to distract from mounting domestic challenges, including rebellion within his caucus and allegations of corruption.

Justin Trudeau and the India controversy

In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist, was killed in Vancouver. Trudeau later accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing, sparking a diplomatic spat.

Many commentators argue that Justin Trudeau's allegations against India serve as a distraction from China's interference in Canadian politics, which has directly benefited Trudeau and his Liberal Party. Evidence suggests that China has used financial and political influence to support Trudeau’s party in elections while pressuring rival Conservatives. Additionally, China has been operating secret police stations within Canada. In stark contrast to his confrontational approach toward India, despite lacking concrete proof, Trudeau attempted to suppress the issue of Chinese interference. Although a public inquiry into China’s actions is now underway, Trudeau appeared to be shifting attention to the Nijjar issue, using vague terms like "allegations" and "credible reasons to believe" to escalate tensions.

Trudeau’s accusations against India are seen by many Canadians as a political strategy to deflect from domestic challenges. Critics believe his goal is not just to court Khalistani Sikh voters but also to divert attention from internal struggles, including the possibility of dissent within his own Liberal Party caucus.

Indian diplomats in Canada have long faced threats from Khalistani groups, particularly after the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 in Vancouver. Trudeau has accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar's death without offering any evidence. The situation escalated when Canadian authorities reportedly identified India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation, likely linked to Nijjar’s murder. India dismissed these claims as “preposterous,” accusing Trudeau’s government of pandering to vote bank politics. In response, India recalled its High Commissioner and several diplomats from Canada, citing safety concerns following hostile Canadian actions. India also expelled six Canadian diplomats.

Also Read: Rebellion and India row likely push Canadian PM toward resignation

It is widely believed that Trudeau has sacrificed India-Canada relations to appease Khalistani groups in hopes of securing their votes. His government’s patronisation of Khalistani extremists, along with Canadian security agencies’ leniency, has emboldened these groups to target not only Indian diplomats but also Canadian Hindus.

Security analyst Joe Adam George remarked in a Canadian newspaper last year, "(Trudeau's) decision to appease Khalistani extremists is not rooted in ignorance but wilful blindness and partisan gain, considering New Delhi has repeatedly warned Ottawa for decades about the fringe movement’s illicit activities in Canada, including its involvement in the 1985 Air India bombing, Canada’s deadliest terror attack."

In stark contrast to his approach toward India, Trudeau initially sought to hush up the issue of Chinese meddling. However, growing public pressure forced his government to initiate a public inquiry into the matter. Critics contend that Trudeau’s focus on India is an effort to divert attention from this brewing scandal.

Justin Trudeau’s domestic turmoil

Trudeau’s troubles extend beyond foreign policy. His government has been rocked by a corruption scandal involving the now-defunct Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The program, dubbed a “green slush fund,” was accused of awarding millions of dollars to ineligible projects and individuals with conflicts of interest.

Dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership has also grown within his party. Reports indicated that many Liberal MPs have signed a pledge calling for his resignation. Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation further highlighted the internal divisions within Trudeau’s government.

Liberal MP Sean Casey had last year stated, “The message that I've been getting loud and clear — and more and more strongly as time goes by — is that it is time for [Trudeau] to go. And I agree. People have had enough. They've tuned him out and they want him to go."

Also Read: Canada's Justin Trudeau losing support within his party, say MPs

A history of inaction by Canada

Canada’s history of ignoring India’s concerns about Khalistani extremism has also come under scrutiny. In 1985, Canada failed to prevent the bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people, despite prior warnings. Trudeau’s government has continued this pattern by granting citizenship to figures like Nijjar, even after he was flagged by Interpol.

India has repeatedly criticised Canada for providing a safe haven to Khalistani extremists. The Ministry of External Affairs pointed out that despite Trudeau’s public support for the “One India” policy, his government’s actions have emboldened separatists.

Trudeau’s attempt to use the Nijjar controversy to rally his political base appears to have backfired. Instead of strengthening his position, it perhaps has exposed his government to criticism for its handling of both foreign and domestic issues. With internal rebellion mounting and public confidence waning, Trudeau’s days as Prime Minister may be numbered. Whether or not he resigns, his legacy will be defined by a tenure that began with promise but ended mired in controversy and division.