Amid the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, parents of Indian students studying in Canada express concerns about their children's safety and potential discrimination. They fear that the standoff may expose their children to security risks and bias based on nationality. Some students planning to study in Canada are anxious about the suspension of visa services. Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar and Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu have called for helplines and interventions to ensure the well-being of Indian students and residents in Canada. The dispute emerged after Canada accused Indian government agents of involvement in a shooting, which India rejected as "absurd." [Image: The Globe and Mail]

  The Biden administration is inclined to avoid involvement in the diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, aiming to preserve its positive relationship with PM Narendra Modi's government. Charles Myers, Signum Global Advisors' Chairman and a Democratic Party donor, believes the U.S. won't heavily intervene as it seeks to collaborate with India in countering China. Tensions between Canada and India arose from the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with Trudeau linking the Indian government to the crime. While U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged cooperation in the investigation, no retaliatory measures like expelling Indian diplomats have been taken. The U.S. intends to steer clear of the issue.

The US provided intelligence to Canada following the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, intercepted communications by Canadian officials led to Ottawa's accusation of India's involvement in the plot. The allegations have strained India-Canada relations, with India rejecting them as "absurd" and expelling a Canadian diplomat in retaliation. The US urged India to cooperate with Canada's investigations but emphasized they had no advance information about the plot. While US officials have tried to avoid diplomatic backlash from India, the disclosure of US intelligence involvement risks complicating relations between Canada and India, as the US seeks closer ties with New Delhi.

In Canada, there has been a surge in Hinduphobic activities, including vandalism of temples and anti-India propaganda linked to the Khalistan Referendum movement. Notably, no arrests have been made in connection with these incidents. Liberal Party MP Chandra Arya highlighted the fear among Hindu Canadians, particularly due to a video from the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) urging Hindus to leave the country. Several politicians, including Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, have condemned the video. A petition to recognize Hinduphobia in the Human Rights Code has gained momentum. The killing of SFJ figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada remains under investigation.

The Indian High Commission in London has initiated the 'Home Away from Home' initiative to assist fresh Indian students who arrived for the September 2023 intake. Students can visit special kiosks at the India House at Aldwych from Sept 26-Oct 9 on weekdays to avail of services like documentation help, consular assistance, opening local bank accounts, and registering with the High Commission for future needs. Complimentary lunch will also be provided as a welcome gesture to students who come for registration. The outreach by the High Commission of India, London aims to help new Indian students settle smoothly in the UK during the critical transition period.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed the US has been closely consulting and coordinating with Canada regarding allegations that Indian government agents were behind the killing of a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil. While describing India as a vital partner, Blinken emphasized the investigation must proceed unimpeded and said it is critical India cooperates fully with Canadian authorities to ensure accountability. He expressed deep US concern over the alleged transnational repression, stressing the broader importance of addressing such issues beyond just this case. Blinken's remarks indicate the Biden administration is walking a diplomatic tightrope in balancing strategic ties with India and defending principles.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau disclosed that his government notified India weeks ago regarding allegations that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia."Canada has shared the credible allegations that I talked about on Monday with India. We did that many weeks ago," Trudeau was quoted by Reuters as having said at a press conference in Ottawa. This follows Trudeau's initial accusations which provoked an angry Indian response. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed concerns and said the US has been closely coordinating with Canada, wanting to see accountability from India over the alleged killing on Canadian soil. However, Trudeau has not provided details on evidence backing Canada's allegations.

According to former Pentagon official Michael Rubin, the US would prioritize ties with India over Canada if forced to choose between the two countries. Rubin stated that Trudeau appeared motivated by domestic politics rather than prudent foreign policy in accusing India over a killed terrorist. He warned that Trudeau risks damaging long-term relations with the world's largest democracy for short-term political gain. Rubin emphasized that the U.S. values its strategic partnership with India and would choose those ties over Canada if forced to decide between the two countries.

During the UN General Assembly debate, India criticized Pakistan for misusing the UN forum to spread propaganda against India. India stated Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and Pakistan has no standing to comment on India's internal matters. India highlighted Pakistan's poor human rights record, especially against minorities and women. It cited recent attacks against Christians in Pakistan and the abduction and forced conversion of minority women. India stated Pakistan shelters terrorists and must take action against Mumbai attack perpetrators. It called for Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism, vacate occupied Indian territory, and end rights abuses against minorities.

Amid India-Canada row over Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, reports said Indian agencies had informed Canada about his terrorism record and fake asylum bid in 1997. Nijjar had claimed asylum fearing persecution for his "social group". But it was rejected over fabricated narrative. He then went to Canada on a forged passport as Ravi Sharma. After rejection, Nijjar reportedly arranged a sham "marriage" for immigration in 11 days. This too was denied as his "wife" had come to Canada sponsored by another man in 1997. Nijjar appealed the rejections in Canadian courts while claiming citizenship. He got citizenship by unclear means. An Interpol Red Corner Notice against Nijjar over a dozen murder and terror cases was issued in 2014. Details were shared with Canada but no action taken except a no-fly list. India informed about all of Nijjar's crimes but Canada didn't act, per reports.