India-Canada Relations Strain: Unraveling the Causes Behind Escalating Tensions

India-Canada Relations Strain: Unraveling the Causes Behind Escalating Tensions

POONAM MAYANI

The once-amicable relations between India and Canada have witnessed a notable downturn, as a series of events have contributed to heightened tensions between the two nations.

While historically both countries have enjoyed diplomatic ties, recent developments have raised questions about the future of this bilateral relationship.

Hours before parliamentarians in India were preparing for a unique meeting in the new Parliament working in Delhi on Tuesday, Canadian Head of the state Justin Trudeau stood up in the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa to make a frightening declaration.

He claimed that specialists of the Indian government were engaged with the killing of a Canadian public, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, proclaimed a psychological oppressor as the top of the Khalistani Tiger Power (KTF) in India. Nijjar, 45, was fired dead by two concealed shooters as he left a gurdwara in Surrey in June this year.

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Notwithstanding the Canadian State head conceding that the examination was all the while being sought after, his administration had proactively chosen to remove a senior representative from the Indian High Commission.

The claims came seven days after Mr. Trudeau was in India for the G-20 culmination, and a turbulent respective “pull-aside” meeting with State head Narendra Modi. After the gathering the two sides gave readouts pointing fingers at one another for “unfamiliar obstruction in Canada’s issues” and “giving places of refuge to enemies of India fanatics” separately, however neither had uncovered at the time that Nijjar’s killing had been talked about.

Furthermore, it arose that Canadian Public safety Guide (NSA) Jody Thomas had gone to India two times in the previous month, to examine the case with India’s NSA Ajit Doval, albeit the public authority more than once said that no “particular proof” had been given by Canada.

Nonetheless, reports in the U.S media have recommended that Canada imparted proof to accomplices in the “Five Eyes” knowledge coalition containing the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand preceding the G-20 highest point, and that a portion of their chiefs definitely disliked Mr. Modi.

Diverging Views on Domestic Policies

One of the key factors exacerbating tensions is the diverging views on certain domestic policies. India’s decisions regarding issues such as agricultural reforms and citizenship laws have been met with varying degrees of criticism and support globally. Canada, like many other nations, has voiced concerns about these policies, leading to a rift in diplomatic discourse.

Human Rights Concerns

Another significant point of contention revolves around human rights issues. Canada has been vocal in expressing concerns about the situation in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, while India maintains that these are internal matters and foreign intervention is unwarranted. This disagreement on human rights concerns has been a consistent source of tension.

Trade Disputes and Economic Strains

Trade disputes have also played a role in the deteriorating relations. Both countries have experienced disagreements over issues ranging from market access to tariffs, leading to a strain in economic ties. As both India and Canada seek to strengthen their economies, finding common ground on trade policies becomes crucial.

Diplomatic Incidents and Communication Breakdowns

Several diplomatic incidents and communication breakdowns have further fueled the tensions. Instances of social media posts and comments by public figures from both countries have been interpreted as provocative, exacerbating the already sensitive relations.

Challenges in Multilateral Forums

Differences in approaches and priorities in multilateral forums have also added to the strain. Disagreements on issues such as climate change, counter-terrorism efforts, and global health crises have made it challenging for India and Canada to find common ground in international platforms.

The Way Forward: Seeking Common Ground

Amidst these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for constructive dialogue and finding common ground. Diplomatic channels remain open, and both nations have expressed their commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means.

Potential Areas for Collaboration

Despite the current tensions, there are numerous areas where India and Canada can collaborate for mutual benefit. Both countries share interests in areas such as education, technology, healthcare, and climate change. Exploring these avenues for cooperation could potentially pave the way for a more harmonious relationship in the future.

A Bilateral Relationship in Transition

It is imperative to acknowledge that diplomatic relationships are dynamic and subject to change over time. While current tensions are a cause for concern, history has shown that nations have the capacity to overcome differences and forge stronger ties in the long run.

As India and Canada navigate through this period of strained relations, there is hope that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to global progress will ultimately pave the way for a renewed and strengthened bilateral relationship.

Two-sided ties among India and Canada have been tense lately. Exchange talks have been wrecked and Canada simply dropped exchange talks. In the midst of the developing strategic column between the two nations, India on Wednesday exhorted every one of its residents living in Canada and those pondering making a trip there to work out “most extreme wariness” considering developing enemies of India exercises and “politically-overlooked” disdain wrongdoings in the North American country.

In an emphatic warning, the Service of Outside Undertakings (MEA) in New Delhi alluded to “dangers” focusing on Indian negotiators and segments of the Indian people group that go against the “counter India plan”, and requested that Indian nationals try not to venture out to districts and expected settings in Canada which have seen such episodes.

24-09-2023

Poonam Mayani is from Pune.

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