The Reality of Sikh Separatism in India and Trudeau's Silence

The recent diplomatic clash between India and Canada over the killing of a wanted Sikh extremist has highlighted the exaggerated portrayal of Sikh separatism as a national security threat by the Indian government. While the Indian government claims that Canada's lax attitude towards Sikh extremism poses a threat, there is little support for a secessionist cause among Sikhs in Punjab, where violence is primarily gang-related and fueled by economic desperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has capitalized on the separatist threat to strengthen his image as a strong leader and rally support ahead of the upcoming national election. However, Sikhs in Punjab view the portrayal of security risks as an attempt to erase their unique identity and oppose the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's nationalist ideology. The Khalistan separatist movement remains largely a diaspora issue, with proponents of violence representing a tiny minority.