The Indian diaspora, a robust and influential community in Canada, has long contributed to the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. However, recent events have raised alarm among Indian communities and their supporters as incidents of violence and intimidation against Indians have emerged. This trend reflects not only the growing challenges for the diaspora, but also tensions between Canada and India on political, diplomatic and social fronts. Exploring this issue requires understanding the underlying causes, socio-political influences and broader implications for Indo-Canadian relations and community safety.

Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, with over 1.8 million individuals of Indian origin. This community has traditionally been known for its harmonious integration into Canadian society, holding prominent positions in various sectors, from academia and politics to business and technology. Indian culture, language, cuisine and festivals have enriched Canada’s multicultural landscape, making Indians one of the most prominent and respected immigrant groups in the country.

Despite these contributions, political and ideological differences occasionally sparked controversy. The rise of pro-Khalistan separatist sentiments within certain factions in Canada created rifts in the community, leading to internal divisions and tensions with Indian government officials. In recent years, tensions have risen, with cases of vandalism, targeted harassment and physical violence affecting both individuals and cultural centers linked to the Indian community.

In the past few months, the Indian diaspora has seen an increase in violence and hostility, with reports ranging from vandalism of temples to verbal and physical attacks on individuals. Some of these incidents appear to be politically motivated, often linked to disputes surrounding the Khalistan separatist movement.

For example, incidents of temple desecration with pro-Khalistan slogans and hate messages have sparked outrage and fear among Indian Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. Moreover, targeted attacks on people believed to be sympathetic to the Indian government or opposed to separatist ideals have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. These incidents reflect not only ideological divisions, but also raise questions about community safety and government intervention.

Some of the probable causes and motivations behind the violence:

• Political Tensions and the Khalistan Movement: The roots of some of the hostilities can be traced back to the Khalistan movement, which over the years has found a foothold among certain Sikh communities in Canada. For some, this movement symbolizes a struggle for justice and autonomy, while for others, especially those opposed to the separatist agenda, it represents a source of division and conflict. The Indian government’s firm stance against separatism and frequent calls to Canada to curb pro-Khalistan activities have sometimes added to the animosity, leading to retaliatory actions against the Indian diaspora.
• Diplomatic tensions: Canada and India have seen their diplomatic ties tested in recent years, particularly over human rights issues and differing political positions. Canadian leaders have occasionally expressed support for certain activist groups in India, including farmers’ protests and other civil rights movements, which the Indian government sees as interference. This diplomatic tension has a trickle-down effect, often manifesting itself in rhetoric and targeted actions at the community level, where individuals are directly affected by the political ideologies that play out on a national scale.
• Growing Nationalism and Polarization: Nationalist rhetoric, amplified by social media, has fueled polarization within communities around the world, including in Canada. For example, fringe groups might interpret appeals to patriotism or activism as a reason to act aggressively toward those with differing views. For Indian communities, this means that even small ideological differences can lead to severe conflict as social media further polarizes individuals.
• Lack of intervention and ineffective policy: The Canadian government has often upheld freedom of expression as a core value, even when dealing with controversial moves. While the policy reflects Canada’s commitment to democracy, it has also led to criticism that leniency may encourage extremist elements to promote divisive agendas. Many argue that stricter policies are needed to reduce hate crimes and ensure that free speech is not misused to spread violence or hatred.

Increasing violence against the Indian diaspora could have far-reaching consequences for Indo-Canadian relations. Both India and Canada value their bilateral relationship with strong trade, education and technology exchanges. However, if tensions continue to rise, there could be significant repercussions, affecting trade agreements, visa policies and diplomatic engagements. This scenario would not only hinder the interests of the Indian diaspora in Canada, but also drain the resources of both governments as they address these ongoing issues.

In addition, growing hostility could affect perceptions of safety among Indians considering relocation or higher education in Canada. Canada has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, and the fear of being targeted could deter new immigrants and students from choosing Canada, impacting the diversity and growth of Canada’s skilled workforce.

The Indian government has expressed concern about attacks on its diaspora, frequently asking Canadian authorities to provide more security and protection. Indian consulates in Canada also got involved, offering support to affected communities and calling on Canadian officials to take preventive measures. In addition, community organizations across Canada have begun campaigns to promote unity and resolve differences within the diaspora. These groups aim to promote peaceful dialogue and support the rights of members by pressuring local governments to act against hate crimes.

Addressing the growing violence against the Indian diaspora requires a multi-faceted approach combining policy intervention, community mobilization and dialogue.

• Stronger hate crime legislation: Canadian authorities could strengthen hate crime laws to ensure swift and effective justice for victims, making it clear that violence against any community will not be tolerated. Such measures could deter those who seek to spread hatred or harm people based on ethnicity or political beliefs.
• Promoting dialogue within communities: Local organizations and religious institutions can play a key role in bridging divisions by hosting open dialogues that encourage mutual understanding between individuals with different perspectives. Educating community members about the consequences of extremism and promoting harmonious coexistence can go a long way in reducing ideological violence.
• Increased diplomatic engagement: Canadian and Indian diplomats could work toward a more collaborative approach to address both nations’ grievances while respecting each country’s domestic policies. Engaging in dialogue to resolve ideological divisions in a manner that does not inflame tensions could provide a stable basis for managing these issues.
• Encouraging positive media narratives: Social media and news outlets are powerful tools that can either heighten or ease tensions. Encouraging responsible reporting and positive narratives that showcase the contributions of the Indian diaspora could reduce negative stereotypes and build a more inclusive perception of the community.

The growing violence against the Indian diaspora in Canada poses significant challenges, not only to the communities directly affected, but also to Canada’s multicultural identity and its relationship with India. Addressing this issue requires collaboration, empathy and effective policy measures to protect the rights of individuals and maintain social harmony.

This article is authored by Aparajitha Nair.