Stop the free fall: On India-Canada ties

The diplomatic row between India and Canada has escalated following Canada's public accusations of Indian involvement in the 2023 murder of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This has severely impacted bilateral relations, with tensions rising after incidents of violence involving Khalistan activists in Canada, disrupting consular services. The row is affecting India-Canada ties on multiple fronts, including trade, consular services, and the Indian diaspora in Canada, which numbers over 19 lakh people.

Diplomatic Tensions and Disruptions

• Violence Against Indian Diplomats: A consular services camp recently organized by the Indian mission in Canada at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was violently disrupted by Khalistan activists. This incident was condemned by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “deliberate” attack on diplomats, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also calling it “unacceptable.”
• Bilateral Relations Strained: The ongoing diplomatic row has affected not only the security of Indian diplomats but also caused setbacks to India-Canada trade relations, which are worth approximately $19 billion. Despite the tensions, both countries had initially sought to boost trade through a bilateral trade treaty, though negotiations have now stalled.
• Impact on Consular Services: The diplomatic crisis has disrupted the normal functioning of consular services, which are crucial for Canada's Indian-origin population of 19 lakh. Given that many people have close ties with India and require various consular services, the disruption has affected the daily lives of these individuals.

Challenges in Bilateral Cooperation and Diaspora Politics

• Diaspora Politics and Communal Tensions: The political fallout from the ongoing Khalistan movement and associated diaspora politics has caused significant unrest in Canada, impacting India-Canada relations. Both countries need to ensure that communal mobilizations, particularly those affecting diaspora communities, are not allowed to disrupt bilateral cooperation or undermine social harmony.
• Visa and Immigration Issues: Amid rising political tensions, visa issuance between India and Canada has been disrupted, particularly impacting Indian students in Canada. The new Canadian restrictions on student visas have added to the challenges, as Indian aspirants represent a significant portion of foreign students in the country.
• Convergence on Global Issues: Despite the diplomatic crisis, India and Canada share significant convergence on global issues like climate change. Both nations should work towards protecting these areas of cooperation, even as they navigate through the current turbulence fueled by fractious diaspora politics.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the implications of the recent diplomatic row between India and Canada on their bilateral relations, particularly in terms of trade, consular services, and the Indian diaspora. How can both countries navigate the current challenges to restore cooperation?"