Hindu Editorial Analysis : 25-October-2023

The diplomatic relations between Canada and India have entered a phase of uncertainty, which has significant implications for immigrants and prospective ones in both countries. This essay explores the historical context of India-Canada relations, recent tensions, and the impact on Indian immigrants while highlighting the need for a resolution and unwavering commitment.

India-Canada Bilateral Relations:

Historical Background:

  • India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947.
  • In April 2015, Prime Minister Modi’s visit elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
  • Recent years have seen efforts to enhance cooperation in various areas.

Bilateral Mechanisms:

  • Dialogue mechanisms include Ministerial-level Strategic, Trade, and Energy dialogues, Foreign Office Consultations, and sector-specific joint working groups.

Commercial Relations:

  • India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations resumed in 2022.
  • Bilateral trade reached $8.16 billion in FY23, making India Canada’s ninth-largest trading partner.

Investments:

  • Canadian investments in India span infrastructure to start-ups, with a cumulative investment of $3.3 billion.

Security and Defence:

  • Collaborative efforts in international fora, defense ties, and counter-terrorism cooperation are prominent features.
Recent Tensions Between India & Canada:

Canada’s Allegations:

  • Allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, heightened tensions.

Pause on FTA Talks:

  • Canada halted trade delegation visits, paused Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, and threatened a $55 billion investment in India from Canadian Pension Funds.

India’s Response:

  • India strongly denied the allegations and criticized Canada for providing a “safe haven” for individuals associated with Khalistani separatist violence.

India’s Cancellation of Visa Services:

  • India suspended visa services across Canada, impacting Canadian applicants at missions worldwide.
Case of Indian Migrants & Immigrants in Canada:

Overview:

  • India is a significant origin country for Canadian immigrants, including Permanent Residents, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) holders, and temporary visitors.
  • Over 1.86 million people of Indian origin reside in Canada, constituting about 5% of the country’s population.

Significance:

  • These immigrants contribute to India’s human capital and play a vital role in remittances and investments.
Challenges Ahead:

Affecting People-to-People Ties:

  • Suspension of visas could lead to reciprocal actions by Canada, affecting students and professionals.

Travel Ban:

  • Previously agreed upon measures to increase bilateral flights have been halted, leading to a practical travel ban.

Lowest Point Between Countries:

  • The current situation marks a low point in decades, with political engagement suspended and people-to-people ties strained.
The Way Ahead:

Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration Agreement:

  • Canada and India are signatories to an agreement aimed at making migration safe, orderly, and regular worldwide.

Uncertainty for Indian Immigrants:

  • The current tensions threaten the agreement’s objective of enabling migrants and diasporas to contribute to sustainable development.

Need for Commitment:

  • Restoring trust and loyalty among citizens and migrants should be a driving force for resolving the crisis.
Why In News

The current state of Canada-India diplomatic relations has evoked a mountain of uncertainty for emigrants and prospective ones, casting a shadow of apprehension over their dreams of a stable future in either country.

MCQs about Diplomatic Strain:Impact on Indian Immigrants and the Path Forward

  1. What elevated India-Canada relations to a strategic partnership in April 2015?
    A. Signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
    B. Establishment of bilateral dialogue mechanisms
    C. Canadian investment in Indian startups
    D. India becoming Canada’s largest trading partner
    Correct Answer: B. Establishment of bilateral dialogue mechanisms
    Explanation: The strategic partnership between India and Canada was elevated through dialogue mechanisms like Ministerial-level Strategic, Trade, and Energy dialogues, along with Foreign Office Consultations and sector-specific joint working groups.
  2. Which allegation escalated tensions between India and Canada, leading to the suspension of visa services?
    A. Alleged involvement of Indian government in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar
    B. Trade disputes over agricultural products
    C. Cybersecurity threats from India
    D. Violation of intellectual property rights by Indian companies in Canada
    Correct Answer: A. Alleged involvement of Indian government in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar
    Explanation: Tensions escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced credible allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.
  3. Which international agreement aimed at making migration safe, orderly, and regular worldwide involves both Canada and India as signatories?
    A. Paris Agreement on Climate Change
    B. Kyoto Protocol on Environmental Sustainability
    C. Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration
    D. United Nations Convention on Refugees
    Correct Answer: C. Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration
    Explanation: Canada and India are signatories to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, which focuses on making migration safe, orderly, and regular worldwide.

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