This podcast episode explores the escalating tensions between Canada and India after Canada accused India of involvement in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. The victim, Hardeep Singh Nijar, was an advocate for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Kalistan. The accusations and subsequent diplomatic row have raised concerns about breaches of sovereignty and strained relationships between the two countries. The episode provides historical context on the Kalistan movement and its relation to religious minorities in India. It also discusses the violent period in Punjab in the 1980s and the migration of Sikhs to other countries, particularly Canada, where the sentiment for an independent Sikh state remains strong in the diaspora. The episode examines the differing perspectives on the Kalistan cause and the characterization of it as terrorism by the Indian government. It also delves into the diplomatic fallout between Canada and India, with the expulsion of diplomats and the suspension of trade ties. The muted response from Canada's allies, known as the Five Eyes, is highlighted, suggesting the prioritization of cultivating ties with India over concerns about its actions.
