Canadian and US controversies are problems for India

Significance Bilateral relations have been strained since September 2023, when Ottawa first alleged Indian state involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. A similar controversy -- regarding the attempted killing of another Sikh separatist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York -- is testing Indian-US relations. Impacts Indian-Canadian economic ties are unlikely to be set back, but talks over a bilateral free trade agreement will remain on hold for now. Delhi-Washington engagement will deepen during Donald Trump’s second term as US president. Protests by Sikh groups outside Indian diplomatic missions will continue to pose a security challenge for Delhi and the host countries.