India Canada Relations 2024

Introduction

Allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of a Khalistani leader in Canada have recently caused significant setbacks in India Canada relations.

What are the Recent Developments in India Canada Relations?  

• Assassination of Nijjar: The Canadian Prime Minister has accused Indian authorities of being complicit in the death of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, a claim India has vehemently condemned as “absurd.”
• Diplomatic Fallout: With both nations removing each other’s diplomats and freezing consular services, diplomatic relations have drastically worsened.
• Support from Five Eyes Alliance: Amid growing diplomatic tensions with India over grave accusations, Canada has enlisted the Five Eyes intelligence cooperation to garner international backing.

What is the Five Eyes Alliance? 

• Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States are all members of the Five Eyes intelligence partnership.
• These nations sign the multilateral UK-USA Agreement, a pact for cooperative signals intelligence.

What are the Features of Five Eyes Alliance? 

• As part of the partnership, these member countries share a wide range of intelligence inside one of the most close-knit multilateral accords in the world.
• After its inception, the organization expanded its core group to include “Nine Eyes” and “14 Eyes” alliances, adding more nations as security partners.

What Are the Key Aspects of the Canada India Relations?

• Political Relations
  • In 1947, Canada and India established diplomatic ties. Both countries support pluralism, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, which are the cornerstones of their bilateral relations.
  • Both nations work together to solve global challenges such as climate change, security, and sustainable development in international forums like the Commonwealth, G20, and UN.
• Economic Cooperation
  • Canada was the 18th largest foreign investor in India, investing over USD 3.3 billion between April 2000 and March 2023, while the two countries’ total bilateral commerce in products was valued at USD 9.36 billion in 2023.
  • The goal of ongoing talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which covers trade in commodities and services, investment, and trade facilitation, is to improve economic ties.
• Diaspora Partnerships
  • Canada is home to over 5.75 million people of Indian origin, including approximately 1 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), making it one of the largest Indian diasporas globally.
  • The diaspora significantly contributes to cultural exchange, economic activities, and bilateral relations, fostering strong social and familial ties between the two nations.
• Education and Space Innovation
  • Programs like IC-IMPACTS are advancing collaborative research endeavors in waste management, agricultural biotechnology, and healthcare, encouraging innovation.
  • Agreements between ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency are part of the space partnership, and ISRO has successfully launched Canadian satellites.
  • With over 40% of Canada’s international student body being Indian, education exchange is important and contributes to cultural diversity.
  • A 2010 Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that has been in force since 2013 permits the delivery of uranium and creates a Joint Committee for supervision.
• Strategic Importance
  • India is a key component of Canada’s Indo-Pacific policy, contributing to the country’s economic diversification and strengthening the dynamics of regional security.
  • Cooperation on counterterrorism, marine security, and preserving Indo-Pacific regional stability.

What are the Major Challenges in India Canada Relations? 

• Diplomatic Immunity Issue
  • In light of the increased tensions, Canada has cited the Vienna Conventions to highlight the need to safeguard its citizens and diplomatic personnel in India.
  • The future of bilateral ties will be significantly shaped by India’s reaction to these issues and its observance of diplomatic standards.
• Khalistan Issue
  • Canada’s acceptance of Khalistani separatist organizations is seen by India as a direct danger to its territorial integrity.
  • Tensions have increased as a result of Canada’s inquiry into claims that India was involved in the murder of renowned Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The two countries’ political and diplomatic confidence is still being strained by this persistent problem.
• Economic and Trade Barriers
  • Efforts to complete the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) have stagnated amid the widening political divide.
  • The diplomatic issue has caused concern for Canadian investors in India and delayed bilateral trade.
• Visa and Immigration Issues
  • Indians seeking visas are experiencing lengthy wait times as a result of a decrease in Canadian diplomatic personnel in India. This affects new candidates, especially those who want to enroll in Canadian universities.
• Geopolitical Implications
  • If the accusations prove to be true, the India-Canada diplomatic impasse may damage India’s standing in the G20 and have an impact on ties with countries that are associated with both countries.
  • The position is made more difficult for India’s strategic allies, which include the US, UK, Australia, and Japan, by Canada’s membership in the G7 and its connections to the Five Eyes alliance.
  • Once centered on interacting with India, Canada’s Indo-Pacific policy is currently encountering obstacles as a result of these political difficulties, which restrict collaboration on regional security and economic matters.

Way Forward

• Address Khalistan Issue
  • To address issues about the Indian diaspora and Khalistan separatists, both governments must engage in active communication. To resolve these delicate issues, respect for one another’s legal systems and sovereignty is essential.
• Strengthen Economic Ties
  • Reviving the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with an emphasis on infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology.
  • strengthening platforms for investment and trade to provide possibilities that benefit both parties.
• Balance Geopolitical Interests
  • Both countries must carefully manage their ties with superpowers such as China, Russia, and the United States.
  • Navigating these dynamics and strengthening strategic alliances without disputes calls for a careful approach.
• Leverage Multilateral Forums
  • Address global issues and advance common ideals by utilizing multilateral forums such as the G7 and Five Eyes, which will help to fortify bilateral relations.

Conclusion

In 2024, India Canada relations have been severely strained due to allegations surrounding the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Diplomatic fallout, delays in trade agreements, and visa issues have deepened tensions. To restore ties, both nations must engage in open dialogue, respect each other’s sovereignty, and leverage economic and geopolitical partnerships for mutual benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Sources:

• https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Canada_bilateral_brief__June__2024_.pdf
• https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20241028-india-canada-faceoff-touching-a-new-nadir-2619071-2024-10-18
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89lne2k87vo
• https://peacediplomacy.org/2024/02/23/reviving-canada-india-relations-for-the-long-term/
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-canada-ties-hit-new-low-timeline-of-events-on-how-relations-turned-sour/articleshow/114243988.cms?from=mdr
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada%E2%80%93India_relations
• https://indianexpress.com/article/business/india-canada-diplomatic-ties-commercial-relations-9620936/