India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, is set to address the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations regarding the current and future relations between India and Canada. This comes amidst tensions between the two countries following the arrest of three Indian nationals by the RCMP in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who advocated for a Sikh country called Khalistan. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused New Delhi of playing a role in the killing, leading to strained relations and accusations of harboring criminals between the two nations.
Despite the tensions, India remains a strong trade partner for Canada, with increasing strategic importance on the international stage. Vina Nadjibulla, from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, highlighted that while Canada is an outlier in deepening strategic partnerships with India, India is crucial for many of Canada’s peers. The strain in relations dates back to Nijjar’s death, which led to protests and threats against Indian diplomats in Canada. Trade negotiations between the two countries were paused by Ottawa last August, with India demanding evidence for the murder probe and forcing Canada to remove diplomats and suspend visas for Canadian visitors.
The ongoing national elections in India have further fueled the rhetoric against Canada from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar lamenting the Sikh separatism issue as the biggest problem with Canada. India views calls for separatism as unconstitutional, while Canada upholds free speech rights for Sikh individuals as long as it does not incite violence. Despite the rift in diplomatic relations, there has been no decline in trade between Canada and India, and Canadian provinces have been seeking stronger ties with India.
Provincial leaders in Canada, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, have engaged in dialogue with Indian officials to bolster trade and diplomatic relations. Saskatchewan successfully convinced India to reinstate the province’s envoy, who had been forced to leave along with other Canadian officials. India’s ambition to be a global power through strategic autonomy has attracted various partners, including Canada, despite differences in approaches to foreign policy and territorial issues. Nadjibulla emphasized the importance of stabilizing and enhancing the relationship between Canada and India for the benefit of both countries.
Amidst the diplomatic crisis, Nadjibulla suggested that Canada should consider reopening trade talks with India, as there is potential for collaboration and mutual benefit. India’s rising economic power, population, and regional influence make it a valuable ally for Canada in the international arena. While the two countries have differences due to the ongoing homicide case and political rhetoric, there are opportunities for cooperation and partnership. Nadjibulla encouraged Canada to seize the momentum that existed before the diplomatic crisis and work towards improving and solidifying the relationship with India in the national interest.
