Let's not delude ourselves: Canada after all is the 51st state of the USA

Every government has the right to pursue its enlightened self-interest. That Canada is hyphenated with the US shouldn't deter us

The meme that Canada is the 51st of the USA Statt new. Way back in 1962, when the term "meme" wasn't in vogue, Arthur Hailey in his vastly infotaining novel, In High Places, refers to Canada as the 51st state of the USA with no defence and foreign policy of its own. This vignette of information should always be kept in mind while examining the IndoCanadian relationship worldview on anything is shaped substantially by its neighbor, USA's own view. Both are members of Five Eyes with the other three being the UK, Australia and New Zealand. They not only share security related information but often act in concert.

Canada's It is in this light that the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's brinkmanship bordering on juvenile antics while dealing with India must be understood. In September 2023, he held India responsible for the murder of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar without a shred of evidence beyond what he calls credible allegations which is the worst oxymoronic expression ever.

The New York Times went public saying it was the US which provided the intelligence reports which Trudeau latched on to with alacrity. He has now repeated the same allegation admitting in the same breath that he has no evidence though. As a prime minister of the second largest nation in the world in terms of area, he should know that intelligence reports can't stand scrutiny before a court of law which demands solid and watertight evidence. India meanwhile has conducted itself admirably but not timidly it has expelled six Canadian diplomats from India. Canada retaliated with parity principle apparently justifying its stand.