India-Canada Relations

Context: India and Canada have had a longstanding relationship marked by economic and cultural ties. However, the recent assassination of a Khalistani separatist in Canada has triggered a significant diplomatic dispute.

Historical Ties:

• Colonial Connections: Both countries were part of the British Empire, forming early links between them.
• Freedom Struggle: Indian migrants, particularly Sikhs, played a role in India’s freedom struggle from Canada, where the “Swadesh Sevak Home” in Vancouver supported anti-colonial efforts.
• Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1947 after India’s independence.
• Diaspora and Migration: A large Indian diaspora in Canada, especially from Punjab, continues to strengthen people-to-people ties.
• Commonwealth: Both nations are members, furthering cooperation.

Current Issues:

• Nijjar Assassination Allegations: Canadian Prime Minister accused Indian intelligence of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistan activist. India denied the allegations.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Both countries expelled multiple senior diplomats, leading to a diplomatic crisis.
• Visa Suspension: India suspended visa services for Canadians, and Canada withdrew consular services from major Indian cities.

Areas of Cooperation:

• Trade and Investment: In 2024, bilateral trade reached $8.4 billion, with India importing natural resources from Canada and exporting textiles, IT services, and pharmaceuticals.
• Energy: Canada supplies uranium to India’s nuclear energy programs.
• Education: Canada is a popular destination for Indian students, with over 300,000 studying there.
• Technology & Innovation: Both countries collaborate on AI, IT, and clean energy through agreements like the Canada-India Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
• Environment & Climate Change: Both countries work together on climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement.
• Agriculture: Canada exports lentils and pulses to India, with joint research in agriculture.

Significance of Relations:

• Economic Potential: The stalled Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) could enhance trade ties.
• Strategic Interests: Both democracies align on multilateral platforms like the G20, G7, and the UN.
• Cultural Ties: The Indian diaspora, particularly the Punjab-origin community, plays a key role in shaping bilateral ties.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Strengthening relations with Canada helps India within the global north and alliances like the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group.
• Technology Partnership: Canada’s leadership in sectors like AI and clean energy provides opportunities for India to grow.

Challenges:

• Khalistan Movement: The pro-Khalistan sentiment in Canada is a key irritant for India, seen as a security threat.
• Diplomatic Tensions: Mutual accusations over Nijjar’s assassination have strained trust.
• Economic Disruption: The suspension of trade talks and visa services is affecting both business and people-to-people ties.
• Diaspora Politics: Sikh communities in Canada influence Canadian domestic and foreign policy, complicating relations.
• Security Concerns: India’s concerns about Canada’s perceived tolerance for extremist groups linked to the Khalistan movement.

Way Forward:

• High-Level Engagement: Regular meetings between foreign ministers and bilateral summits, potentially mediated by a third party, can help restore trust.
• Enhancing Trade: Resuming EPTA talks with a focus on sectors like clean energy and digital technology could boost bilateral economic relations.
• Security Cooperation: Joint efforts to address India’s concerns about pro-Khalistan groups through counter-terrorism initiatives could improve ties.
• Multilateral Collaboration: Engaging in international forums like the G20 and UN on global issues such as climate change and terrorism can strengthen the partnership.
• Diaspora as a Bridge: The Indian diaspora in Canada can play a key role in fostering cultural diplomacy and business ties.
• Environmental Collaboration: Joint projects on renewable energy, such as under the International Solar Alliance, and clean technology transfers like green hydrogen would benefit both nations.