The diplomatic rift between Canada and India, which began in the summer of 2023, escalated dramatically in October 2024, when Canada made a new and alarming allegation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an extraordinary statement, accused India of not only being involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader, but also suggested broader interference by Indian agents in Canadian domestic affairs.
Trudeau’s government claimed that Indian operatives were conducting covert activities aimed at suppressing political dissent and were linked to illegal actions that targeted the Sikh community.
This bold accusation further chilled the already strained relations between the two countries, leading to a series of diplomatic expulsions, and exacerbating tensions.
India, unsurprisingly, has continued to vehemently deny these allegations, dismissing them as absurd and politically motivated. In retaliation, India extended its suspension of visa services to Canadian citizens and paused negotiations on trade agreements that had been in the works for years.
The rift between these two democracies has now evolved from a specific accusation over an individual’s assassination into a much broader geopolitical standoff, which has far-reaching implications not only for the governments involved but for the economies and citizens of both nations.
For Canada, these events have caused a growing wave of anti-India sentiment among its citizens. The Canadian public, influenced by media reports and governmental statements, has become increasingly skeptical of India’s role in these activities.
This shift in public sentiment has created a new social dynamic -- one that could have lasting implications for anyone perceived as being linked to India or South Asia at large.
The effects of this rising anti-India mindset are starting to manifest in various sectors of Canadian society. For South Asians, including the Bangladeshi community, this shift presents both risks and challenges.
One of the most pressing concerns is that in the eyes of many Canadians, South Asians are often viewed as a homogenous group. With the mounting criticism against India, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, and other South Asians could easily find themselves inadvertently entangled in this web of suspicion and negativity. While the accusations may be specific to India, the broader implications could affect how all South Asians are perceived in Canada.
This situation presents a significant risk for the Bangladeshi-Canadian community. If the anti-India sentiment continues to grow, and if South Asians are seen through a single, undifferentiated lens, Bangladeshis may also face prejudice or skepticism simply due to geographic and cultural proximity. It is a delicate time for Bangladeshis living in Canada, who must navigate these complex social dynamics with care and foresight.
However, there is also an opportunity here for the Bangladeshi-Canadian community to distinguish itself in the public eye. While there may be risks of being labeled or grouped together with India due to the broader South Asian identity, Bangladeshis can -- and should -- work to establish a distinct and positive identity in Canada.
Rather than being swept up in the wave of criticism directed at India, Bangladeshis have the chance to highlight their contributions to Canadian society, showcasing themselves as good citizens who are involved, responsible, and contributing positively to the country’s fabric.
Engaging in community-building activities, participating in Canadian civic life, and contributing to charitable initiatives are all ways that Bangladeshis can make their mark and create a positive narrative around their presence in Canada.
Furthermore, Bangladeshis should be mindful of the geopolitical discourse and ensure they are not inadvertently drawn into the broader debates surrounding India’s actions. While it is important to remain informed and engaged, the Bangladeshi community must focus on promoting its own values and identity, standing apart from the issues that currently plague India-Canada relations.
Another key area where Bangladeshis can differentiate themselves is through professional engagement and advocacy. By continuing to excel in these fields and maintaining a reputation for professionalism and integrity, Bangladeshis can further solidify their standing as model citizens.
Additionally, by participating in dialogue around diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism, Bangladeshis can assert their distinctiveness within the broader South Asian community, ensuring that they are seen as individuals rather than part of a monolithic group.
The danger of being lumped together with Indian nationals in the face of growing anti-India sentiment is real, and it is essential that the Bangladeshi-Canadian community actively works to avoid being caught up in this narrative. This can be done through engagement with Canadian policymakers and by fostering dialogue that highlights Bangladesh’s unique culture, history, and contributions to Canada.
While the Canada-India diplomatic rift has created significant tensions and challenges, it also offers the Bangladeshi-Canadian community an opportunity to rise above the fray and establish a clear and distinct identity. By emphasizing their positive contributions to Canadian society, maintaining a reputation for responsibility and ethics, and engaging in community and professional life, Bangladeshis can navigate this turbulent time successfully.
In doing so, they can create a lasting impact and ensure that they are seen not through the lens of broader South Asian issues, but as valued, distinct members of the Canadian community.
Nawrin Sultana is a Bangladeshi-Canadian marketing consultant, blending her cultural roots with a global perspective.
