What actions can India take if Canada imposes sanctions? Shiv Aroor explains

The diplomatic rift between India and Canada intensified after Ottawa accused New Delhi of promoting criminal activities on its soil, followed by both sides expelling each other’s high commissioners. However, there are many more escalatory options on both sides that could still happen, that could make India-Canada relations even worse than they already are.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has even suggested that “everything is on the table” when asked if Ottawa would consider imposing sanctions on India.
If Canada does hit the trigger button and imposes sanctions on India, New Delhi also has some options to hurt Ottawa back.
Shiv Aroor, Senior Executive Editor with India Today TV, explains what actions India can possibly take if Canada escalates the row further.
1. Nearly a quarter million Indian students currently study in Canada. If India were to pull the plug and bar Indian students from studying in Canada, it would have a devastating impact. It could paralyse Canada’s education financial system, into which billions in Indian fees actually go.
2. India can cancel all Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards of Canadian citizens of Indian origin who are sympathetic to pro-Khalistan elements, a step that would force many to reconsider their involvement.
3. Another potential measure involves suspending property rights for Khalistani supporters, delaying new visas, and increasing scrutiny. This could pressure supporters of the movement to reconsider their stance.
4. India may also suspend multiple-entry visas for suspected Canadian citizens of Indian descent, which could spark a backlash within the Canadian Indian community, possibly impacting domestic politics in Canada.
5. India could impose trade sanctions, just like Canada is considering against New Delhi. As a top-10 trading partner, India could significantly harm Canada’s economy, which already faces a trade imbalance in India’s favour.
Additionally, India can freeze Canadian financial institutions and pension funds with investments in India. While unlikely, it remains a possibility as tensions escalate.