A quick reset - India and Canada Relations | 8th February 2023 | UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis | UPSC IAS

Please Share with maximum friends to support the Initiative.

What's the article about?

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.

India – Canada Relations:

India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947.
Canada is home to one of the largest communities of Indian origin, with approximately 4% of Canadians being of Indian heritage (1.4 million people).
Canada was among the first countries associated with India’s nuclear programme, but the relationship ruptured after India’s nuclear tests in 1974.
When ties began to improve in the 1980s, it was Indian anger over Canadian shelter to separatist Khalistani groups behind the 1985 bombing of an Air India flight and the prolonged trial.
Relations were restored in 2010, with the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Canada, and an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, and Mr. Modi in 2015. But they flagged after 2018.

About Canada:

Canada is a country in North America.
Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles), making it the world's second-largest country by total area.
Its southern and western border with the United States, stretching 8,891 kilometres (5,525 mi), is the world's longest binational land border.
Canada's capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy in the Westminster tradition.

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.

Please Share with maximum friends to support the Initiative.

Join 5 lakh+ students in downloading PDF Notes for 2000+ Topics relevant for UPSC Civil Services Exam. &nbsp Samajho Android App: https://bit.ly/3H9hva1 Samajho iOS App: https://apple.co/3H8ZJE2 &nbsp Samajho IAS Youtube Channel (300K+ Subscribers): https://www.youtube.com/@SamajhoIAS

A quick reset – India and Canada Relations | 8th February 2023 | UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis