Ujjal Dosanjh Urges Canada to Reset India Ties Amid Rising Global Stakes

As India emerges as the world’s fourth-largest economy, Canada can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines in its relationship with New Delhi, warns former federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. In a wide-ranging conversation following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the G7 summit hosted by Canada, Dosanjh emphasized that the shifting global order demands a recalibration of foreign policy — starting with a fresh approach to India.

“This is a critical juncture,” Dosanjh said. “India’s rise isn’t just economic — it’s strategic. And Canada needs to recognize that and act accordingly.”

Dosanjh, a veteran politician, senior lawyer, and outspoken critic of extremism, sees Modi’s attendance at the G7 as an opening to mend fractured diplomatic ties, particularly after years of tension over Khalistan-linked extremism rooted in some Canadian circles.

“Even before India climbed the economic rankings, leaders like Carney viewed it as indispensable,” Dosanjh said, referencing Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office earlier this year. “Now, India’s influence has only deepened. Carney’s invitation to Modi sends a clear signal — it’s time to reset.”

Extremism and the Ghost of Air India

Dosanjh has long spoken out against extremism within the Sikh diaspora and pointedly criticized groups that promote separatism under the Khalistan banner. He argued that these elements, while vocal, do not reflect the broader Indo-Canadian community — and have done serious harm to Canada’s reputation.

“We must not forget that the Air India bombing was not an Indian tragedy. It was a Canadian one,” he said, referencing the 1985 terrorist attack that killed 329 people, most of them Canadian citizens. “That wound was ours, and we have yet to heal from it.”

He cited the case of Talwinder Singh Parmar, widely believed to be the mastermind of the bombing, as an example of past diplomatic failures. “India sought his extradition, but Canada didn’t act. That inaction had deadly consequences,” Dosanjh said.

Dosanjh warned that Canada has, over the years, allowed extremist rhetoric to gain a foothold in political spaces. “Former Prime Minister Harper was right — democracies should not tolerate separatists within their political parties. I believe Prime Minister Carney understands that too, even if he won’t say it outright.”

Trade, Security, and Shared Democratic Values

The former minister sees strong strategic and economic incentives for Canada to pursue closer ties with India. Trade has already suffered due to the diplomatic freeze, he noted, citing the struggles of a Canadian grain exporter who’s been unable to ship goods to India due to stalled logistics.

“Canada and India have natural synergies — from agriculture to artificial intelligence, from climate change to democratic governance. But we’re stuck in a diplomatic deep-freeze because we haven’t dealt with extremism decisively.”

India has sought the extradition of 26 individuals linked to extremist activities — progress has been slow, Dosanjh admits, but he believes there’s movement.

“I had discussions with Mr. Verma, India’s former High Commissioner to Canada. He told me Canada has started acting on some of these cases. The treaty is there. Now it’s about following through,” he said.

On Mocha Bezirgan and the Price of Inaction

Recent events, including the alleged assault on Vancouver-based journalist Mocha Bezirgan by Khalistani supporters, highlight the urgency of the problem, Dosanjh said.

“Violence is not new to this movement. Air India was the most visible horror, but threats and intimidation continue today — this time against journalists,” he said. “Unless Canada starts prosecuting these acts seriously, we’ll continue down this dangerous path.”

He drew a parallel to the extradition of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack, as evidence that radicalization threats are real and growing. “We’ve been reactive, not proactive. That lethargy after Air India must never be repeated.”

Pakistan’s Shadow

Dosanjh didn’t shy away from identifying another actor he believes is fueling the Khalistan cause: Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.

“This isn’t new. I met Jagjit Singh Chohan back in the ’70s — he declared Khalistan in a U.S. newspaper after visiting Pakistan. That project was funded, at least in part, by the ISI and CIA,” Dosanjh said.

He pointed to the presence of Pakistani flags at recent pro-Khalistan rallies in Vancouver as undeniable evidence. “This is no longer hidden. Yet, some of our politicians still look the other way — out of ignorance or political expediency.”

A Call for Engagement, Not Isolation

Despite his stern warnings, Dosanjh remains optimistic. He sees Prime Minister Carney’s decision to invite Modi as a bold and necessary first step toward diplomatic renewal.

“There will always be disagreements between nations. But democracies like Canada and India must engage on multiple fronts. Law enforcement can handle one track. Dialogue, trade, people-to-people ties — those must continue on other tracks,” he said.

In Dosanjh’s view, the stakes are too high to let extremism or diplomatic disputes derail progress. “This G7 summit could be a turning point. Canada has taken the first step. Now we need sustained engagement, not symbolic gestures.”

His message to Ottawa is clear: “Don’t let the fringe define our foreign policy. Canada and India are both democracies with shared values and mutual interests. It’s time we start acting like it.”