Currently, India and Canada are in the news because of their diplomatic storm that has notable implications. Not only for their bilateral relations but also for international geopolitics. And that makes this topic one of the trending topics to converse about at GD.
As per Invest India, Canada is the 18th largest foreign investor in India. It invested approx $3,306 million between 2000 and 2023.
The relations between the two countries are strained now because of allegations, diplomatic expulsions, and rising tensions. This blog talks about the India vs Canada GD topic, highlighting major issues (important for your GD) and analyzing the broader significance.
How Did It Start?
The relationship setback between both counties primarily revolves around the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case. A pro-Khalistani separatist leader. He was killed in Canada in June 2023 and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing which the later country denied spot on. These allegations are not just allegations anymore because the two countries are taking retaliatory actions.
Lack of Evidence: Even though Canada has accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing. They have no substantial evidence to present, and that became the main point of contention. Trudeau’s allegations continue, but India has repeatedly mentioned that there’s no credible proof to back these accusations.
Expulsion of Diplomats: While the verbal discourse is still burning, Canada expelled India’s top diplomat from the country. In response, India reciprocated by debaring six Canadian diplomats, including the High Commissioner of Canada in Delhi.
Source: India’s Ministry of External Affairs of India.
After all these, India-Canada’s relationship is on thin ice and this will most likely affect trade, immigration, and political cooperation.
Major Issues in the Diplomatic Standstill
1. Allegations of Covert Operations
Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau claimed that Indian agents carried out a secret operation. On Canadian soil targeting Canadian nationals linked to pro-Khalistani movements. These allegations have further strained diplomatic ties. However, India again has rejected these indictments, saying ‘they are baseless.’
2. The Role of Khalistani Separatism
The Khalistan Movement, it’s a campaign that Sikhs/khalistanis are running in order to create a homeland in India’s Punjab region. Even though it seems like India’s internal problem. This movement is backed by groups from Canada, the UK, and the US, and that’s seen as a threat to India’s national security.
3. International Reactions
Since both countries are global powers, the differences in their relations are now being seen by other countries and organizations as well. The United States came in front supporting Canada and asking India to cooperate in the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death. US intervention definitely added another layer of twist to the situation because India wants to balance its relations with both Canada and the US.
Pros of Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
This section will cover the potential advantages India and Canada will have if they improve their diplomatic ties.
1. Economic Cooperation
India and Canada always have strong trade relations and there are around 1.86 million people in Canada that are of Indian origin. Indians prefer Canada for studies, tourism, and even for settling down. These statistics are proof of how much India and Canada should Improve their diplomatic ties which could lead to the advancement of bilateral trade.
Also, in 2021, Canada accounts for the fourth largest tourist in India (around 5.3%)
Canada’s abundant natural resources, such as oil and gas, are crucial for India’s growing economy. On the other hand, India offers a vast market for Canadian products, like tech and agriculture.
2. Educational Opportunities
India’s students’ first choice is Canada when they are looking to study abroad. Every year, Indian parents adieu to their kids for world-class education and job opportunities in Canada. To encourage the India-Canada educational relationship, the Shashtri Indo-Canadian Institute was established in 1968. In order to continue this, both countries must strengthen their diplomatic relations.
3. Geopolitical Alliances
If India and Canada continue this disagreement, it will be difficult for both countries to cooperate on global platforms or organizations such as the United Nations and G20. To tackle climate change, and handle international trade, and security, it’s essential they work with mutual understanding especially when there’s tension between major powers like the US, China, and Russia.
Cons of Diplomatic Strain
1. Impact on Trade and Business
This diplomatic spat can potentially disrupt trade relations between India and Canada. As per some sources, the two countries have stalled their trade talks because both sides are unwilling to compromise. This situation would hurt companies and the economy at large on both sides, if not taken some measures right now.
2. Immigration and Visa Issues
Canada has imposed stricter visa regulations and that made it very difficult for Indians to have a smooth journey to Canada. Since India makes up significant portions of Canada, it’s only viable to ease the process for Indian students, workers, and families. This can further negatively impact the India-Canada relationship.
3. International Image
This diplomatic tension is tarnishing the image of both countries on the global stage. Canada for being the accuser without any proof and India for not supporting Canada in their investigation. Also, the expulsion of diplomats raised concerns about cooperation and combined effort.
Future Prospects for India vs Canada and Conclusion
The India vs Canada diplomatic issue is complex to solve yet easy to understand. In this case, it’s difficult to draw a judgment on which nation should do what but their wrong moves and accommodating behavior towards each other will lead to serious issues in all the factors like historical, political, and social.
While the nations are deepening their conflict now by taking harsh measures, it’s important to consider the long-term prospects of reconciliation. Diplomatic disputes often happen, but countries must find ways to move past them in the interest of mutual benefit.
For both India and Canada, the stakes are high. India is a growing country with a huge economy and Canada is a developed nation that plays a vital role in international diplomacy. To have a win-win situation, restoring diplomatic relations is the only way where countries can boost trade, immigration, and geopolitical cooperation.
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Ans. India and Canada are in tension now because the Canadian Prime Minister said that the Indian government was behind the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A Khalistani separatist and a designated terrorist in India.
Ans. India and Canada are in the news due to escalating diplomatic tensions following the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government involvement in the murder. India denied the allegations. Now, both countries have expelled each other’s diplomats.
