Diplomatic Rift Over Khalistani Issue Stalls India’s Stryker Armoured Vehicle Purchase

New Delhi, India- As diplomatic relations between India and Canada continue to deteriorate, doubts have arisen regarding Indian Army’s planned procurement of Canadian-made Stryker armoured vehicles. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for lacking concrete evidence in his allegations linking Indian government nts to assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2022. Given heightened diplomatic strain, questions loom over future of Stryker deal, which could significantly impact India’s defence acquisitions strategy.

On October 17, India’s MEA publicly refuted Canada’s allegations against Indian diplomats, a dispute that has cast a shadow over potential bilateral defence deals. Trudeau, during a Commission of Inquiry, admitted that his accusations against India were based solely on intelligence, lacking definitive “hard evidentiary proof.” 

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance, stating, “Canada has presented us evidence whatsoever in support of serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats.” 

This diplomatic fallout may w influence critical defence negotiations, such as Stryker deal.  

What is Stryker?  

Stryker is an eight-wheeled, armoured combat vehicle developed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, primarily for U.S. Army but built in Ontario, Canada. Named in hour of Medal of Hor recipients Stuart S. Stryker and Robert F. Stryker, vehicle has seen extensive combat use in Iraq and Afghanistan since its first deployment in 2003.

Built on Canadian Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) III platform, Stryker offers following key features:  

• Weight: 18 tons, with a two-man crew capacity and for nine soldiers.  
• Armaments: Equipped with an M2 .50-inch heavy machine gun or a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher mounted on a remotely operated turret.  
• Performance: Powered by a Caterpillar C7 350 horsepower engine, it has a top speed of 99 km/h and a range of 482 km.  
• Transportability: Compatible with C-130 Hercules aircraft for rapid deployment and Indian Chiok helicopters for mobility in regional operations.  

Stryker is highly versatile, with multiple variants tailored for specific combat roles, including Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV), Mobile Gun System (MGS), Mortar Carrier (MC), and Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATGM), among ors. Designed to offer protection in urban and open terrains, Stryker includes bolt-on ceramic armour and can withstand improvised explosive devices (IEDs), providing enhanced soldier safety in conflict zones.

Amidst strained diplomatic relations, Stryker deal, which could have enhanced India’s armoured combat vehicle capabilities, is reportedly on pause. While Indian Army expressed interest in vehicle for its agility, protection, and modular adaptability, current climate may delay or indefinitely suspend acquisition. Defence experts have suggested that India might benefit from reconsidering its dependency on foreign armoured vehicles and instead focusing on bolstering indigeus defence production.  

India’s Indigeus Alternative: Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP)  

Some defence analysts have highlighted homegrown Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) as a viable alternative to Stryker. Jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, WhAP is India’s most advanced armoured infantry combat vehicle programme to date. Capable of being outfitted with anti-tank guided missiles, surveillance equipment, and protective armour, WhAP is designed to meet operational requirements of Indian Army. Its versatility in both mobility and configuration allows it to perform roles similar to those of Stryker, with added benefit of indigeus manufacturing and support.

If Stryker deal remains on hold, it could reshape India’s defence procurement policies, leading to a stronger emphasis on domestic manufacturing. This shift could strengn India’s defence industrial base, reducing reliance on foreign partners for critical military assets. However, it would also necessitate greater investment in research, development, and scaling production capacities within India to meet Army’s operational demands.

diplomatic rift could drive India to furr diversify its international defence partnerships, potentially seeking alternative suppliers for armoured vehicles, including U.S. or European defence firms. Alternatively, India may expedite its development of indigeus systems like WhAP to achieve self-reliance in armoured vehicle production.  

Stryker deal’s uncertain future reflects complexities of international defence trade, where geopolitical tensions can impact military procurement plans. While Stryker offers advanced capabilities that would strengn India’s mechanized forces, India-Canada diplomatic breakdown could prompt Indian government to prioritize indigeus defence solutions. With WhAP and similar programmes, India has foundation to develop domestically produced, advanced armoured vehicles tailored to its operational needs. Should deal remain on hold, it might accelerate India’s trajectory towards defence self-sufficiency, reshaping future of its armoured vehicle fleet.