"Everyone Hates Trudeau, But India.." I India Vs Canada I "Cancel OCI Cards" I Barkha Dutt

In a candid conversation with Barkha Dutt on the Inside Out podcast, Kushal Mehra discussed the ongoing crisis in Indo-Canadian relations, fueled by political missteps, media misrepresentation, and Canada's struggle to confront radical elements within its borders. Mehra highlighted how pro-Khalistani factions have gained increasing influence over Canadian politics, complicating diplomatic ties between India and Canada. He specifically pointed out how these groups have managed to secure political patronage, allowing their extremist ideologies to thrive unchecked.

A key issue raised by Mehra was the growing influence of Khalistani sympathizers within Canadian politics, particularly in key constituencies with large South Asian populations. He pointed out that, while only a small minority of Sikhs are involved in radical activities, these groups have managed to exert disproportionate influence over local political dynamics, often controlling key ridings. Mehra warned that Canada’s political system has allowed these elements to gain increasing leverage, with their power only growing over time.

Mehra also criticized the way Canadian media portrays India's involvement in its domestic affairs. He referred to a controversial CBC report that accused India of interfering in the Conservative Party's nomination process, particularly the rise of Pierre Poilievre over Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton. According to Mehra, this narrative ignored the fact that Brown had longstanding ties to Khalistani factions in Canada, after initially aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Mehra ridiculed the media for not addressing more pressing issues like Chinese interference in Canadian politics, a subject that has largely been overlooked despite reports from Canada’s Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) implicating several Members of Parliament in such activities.

Mehra’s critique extended to Canada’s interpretation of multiculturalism, a concept championed by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. While he agreed that multiculturalism is a positive value, Mehra argued that in Canada, it has been misinterpreted to tolerate extremist ideologies. This has allowed groups like the Khalistani movement to gain a foothold, particularly under Justin Trudeau’s leadership. In an attempt to maintain political support in constituencies with large South Asian populations, the Trudeau government has courted radical elements, inadvertently allowing them to flourish.

A poignant example of this failure, Mehra argued, is the ongoing lack of accountability for the 1985 Air India bombing, which claimed the lives of 329 people. Despite clear evidence of Khalistani militants’ involvement in the attack, Canada has consistently failed to hold these extremists accountable. Mehra expressed frustration over the Canadian government’s reluctance to confront this issue, noting that India’s foreign policy has been too soft on Canada, particularly when it comes to confronting the growing radicalization within Canadian borders. He argued that India must adopt a more assertive diplomatic stance, especially in light of Canada’s failure to recognize the scale of the problem.

The conversation also touched on the implications of Canada’s immigration policies, particularly the 2022 M44 motion, which allowed international students to work up to 40 hours a week. Mehra pointed out that this policy disproportionately affected Indian students, many of whom were enrolled in "diploma mills" rather than reputable institutions. The influx of such students, he argued, has contributed to rising criminal activity and gang-related violence within the Indian community, exacerbating tensions with the broader Canadian population.

Mehra also criticized Canada’s lack of action in dealing with the growing problem of radicalization within its Sikh diaspora, particularly in the context of gang violence and criminal networks. The situation, he argued, is further complicated by the country's failure to address the root causes of the issues, including systemic failures in its education system, where radical groups exert influence over educational institutions and push for the normalization of their ideology.

In conclusion, Mehra painted a troubling picture of Indo-Canadian relations, marked by Canada’s mismanagement of radical elements, its soft diplomacy, and the country's failure to address serious issues such as Chinese interference and domestic extremism. He warned that the failure to confront these challenges could lead to further instability in both countries, and that Canada’s handling of these issues would be crucial in shaping the future of bilateral ties with India. The relationship between India and Canada stands at a tipping point, and as Mehra emphasized, it is imperative for both nations to take stronger, more decisive action to address the challenges posed by radicalism and external interference. Only through a more assertive diplomatic approach can both countries hope to navigate this fraught landscape and ensure a stable future for their citizens.