Syllabus: International relations.
Source: IE
Context: Relations between India and Canada are at a nadir, amidst the row regarding India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Background of Bilateral Relations:
- Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1947, upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015.
- Trade: India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner in 2022-23, with bilateral trade worth US$ 8.15 billion. CEPA/EPTA trade negotiations are on hold.
- Nuclear cooperation: Began in 1956, paused after India’s 1974 nuclear test, resumed in 2010.
- Diaspora: 1.6 million Indian diaspora members in Canada, with 22 Indian-origin MPs in its House of Commons.
Current issues:
- Khalistani extremism: Canada’s perceived support for Khalistani groups has strained ties.
- Nijjar killing: Relations worsened after the June 2023 killing of Nijjar. PM Trudeau accused Indian agents, which India denied.
- Diplomatic expulsions: Both countries expelled diplomats, further escalating tensions.
Diplomatic Principles:
- Diplomatic Immunity:
- Defined under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), ensuring diplomats are not subjected to local jurisdiction.
- Termination of Relations:
- The Vienna Convention also outlines procedures for ending diplomatic relations and withdrawing diplomats
- Western double standards: India pointed out the hypocrisy of Western democracies, including Canada, when security concerns outweigh their commitment to freedoms.
Impacts:
- Diplomatic fallout: Reduced diplomatic engagement, withdrawal of senior diplomats.
- Economic impact: Paused trade talks could hurt bilateral trade and market access.
- Diaspora concerns: Rising tensions may affect Indian diaspora in Canada specially students abroad.
- Canada hosts 1.6 million Indian-origin people, making up over 3% of its population.
- Indian students make up 40% of all international students in Canada, contributing significantly to remittances.
- Strategic cooperation: Strain on cooperation in nuclear energy, education, and technology.
Way ahead:
- Diplomatic engagement: Both nations must initiate high-level dialogue to ease tensions.
- Security concerns: Canada should address anti-India elements, while India should cooperate transparently.
- Focus on trade: Resume trade talks to rebuild economic ties.
- People-to-People ties: Strengthen diaspora ties and encourage cultural exchanges.
Conclusion:
The diplomatic row between India and Canada poses a significant challenge to bilateral relations, yet both countries stand to benefit from restoring trust and cooperation. By addressing core issues related to extremism and diplomacy, they can work towards stabilizing ties for mutual benefit.
Insta Links:
PYQ:
- Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (UPSC-2023)
- Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries”. Comment with examples (UPSC-2020)
