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What's the article about?
- It talks about recent developments in the India-Canada ties.
Relevance:
- GS2: India-Canada; Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora;
- Prelims
Context:
- India is presiding over the G20 this year.
- Thus, India is leveraging this opportunity to forge closer ties with all important countries across the globe.
- In this pursuit the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, hosted Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly for bilateral talks in New Delhi.
Why is India rebuilding its relationship with Canada?
- There are mainly two reasons for this:
- First, India as G20 President wants to get as many allies as possible.
- Second, the China factor.
- Canada’s ties with China are deteriorating.
- In November, Canada announced its new Indo-Pacific Strategy that marked out China as an “increasingly disruptive global power”, while referring to India as a “critical partner” with shared traditions of democracy and pluralism.
- In addition, Canada’s search for new markets to diversify its considerable economic engagement with China coincides with India’s push to conclude free trade agreements with many countries.
- While officials have been working to announce an “Early Progress Trade Agreement” this year, they are also hopeful of securing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement soon.
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India – Canada Relations:
About Canada:
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What are the irritants in India-Canada ties?
- Khalistani separatism issue:
- There is resurgence of Khalistani separatism and calls for a “referendum” amid the Sikh community in Canada.
- There are also incidents of vandalism and violence targeting the Indian community in Canada.
- Canadian pronouncements on developments in India:
- Canadian pronouncements on developments in India, including on rights and freedoms can always set off diplomatic landmines.
Way Forward:
- India and Canada relationship has seen many ups and downs.
- But this year, timing and intent seem on course for a leap in ties which could bring strategic and economic gains, provided both sides also focus on side-stepping the possible political pitfalls along the way.
