The national security advisers (NSAs) of the two countries held discussions this week to identify areas of cooperation to combat Sikh radicalism

NEW DELHI: Canada has initiated a dialogue with India on investigating cases against Sikh extremists and combating Sikh radicalism, an apparent attempt to dispel controversy over the Justin Trudeau government's alleged links with Sikh extremists.

The national security advisors (NSAs) of the two countries held discussions this week to identify areas of cooperation to combat Sikh radicalism, according to people aware of the development.

This comes ahead of Canadian PM Trudeau’s week-long visit to India, from Saturday, during which security and defence partnership is expected to figure high on the agenda. The two sides recently held a meeting of the joint working group on counter-terrorism to firm up specific areas of cooperation and this was preceded by a deputy NSA level dialogue.

The issue of revival of Sikh radicalism in Canada and presence of supporters of Khalistan movement in Trudeau cabinet have cast a shadow on Indo-Canadian partnership, the growing economic partnership including rising investments in India notwithstanding.

Trade between Canada and India doubled in the 10 years to 2016 to about $8 billion. Last year, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had refused to meet Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan, accusing him of supporting the Khalistan movement.

Sajjan is accompanying Trudeau on this trip. Recently Sajjan and infrastructure minister Amarjeet Sohi, two of the four Sikh members of Trudeau’s cabinet, countered Punjab CM’s claim and said they did not support the Khalistan movement. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the issue with Trudeau during their meetings. Nonetheless several Gurdwaras in Canada have barred Indian officials from entering the premises. Canada’s official line, which Trudeau is expected to deliver during the trip, is that it supports a unified India and will not support any form of extremism.

The controversy over Sikh radicalism notwithstanding, India and Canada will try to firm up maritime defence partnership, and Canada is willing to share expertise of its defence industry in maritime sphere, the people cited earlier said. While Canada has growing ties with China it also supports India’s position on the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, Canadian officials said.

During his visit, Trudeau will address a number of business meets in several cities. Indo-Canadian Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)and Investment Protection Treaty will figure high on the agenda as Canadian investors are looking forward to the protection pact for enhancing quantum of investments.