Hope for Improved India-Canada Relations
There is renewed hope for improved relations between India and Canada following a positive conversation between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. There are indications that discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) may resume.
India-Canada Relations: Relations between India and Canada have been strained in recent years, primarily due to Canada's approach towards Khalistani supporters and statements made against India. However, the situation appears to be changing. A recent conversation between India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada's new Foreign Minister Anita Anand has instilled new hope in the bilateral relationship.
Jaishankar and Anand's Conversation
A telephone conversation took place late Sunday night between India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada's new Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The conversation is reported to have been highly positive. Notably, this is the first direct conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Canada since February 2024. Both sides expressed a positive atmosphere following the discussion.
Following the conversation, Jaishankar posted on social media that the conversation with the Canadian Foreign Minister was productive. He stated they discussed the future prospects of India-Canada relations and offered his best wishes for her successful tenure. Anita Anand also responded on social media, stating that her conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on strengthening India-Canada relations and advancing economic cooperation was excellent, and she looked forward to working with him in the future.
Why the Rift in India-Canada Relations?
The primary cause of the strain in India-Canada relations has been the increasing Khalistani activities in Canada. During former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tenure, Khalistani support groups enjoyed considerable leeway in Canada. The situation worsened after the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. The Trudeau government accused India of involvement in the assassination but never presented concrete evidence. This led to escalating tensions, resulting in the expulsion of each other's high commissioners and a reduction in diplomatic ties.
Changed Atmosphere After New Government in Canada
Following recent elections in Canada, a new government under Mark Carney's leadership was formed. Since the new government's arrival, anti-India rhetoric has diminished. It is believed that the new government favors improving relations with India. The new Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, has also adopted a significantly more positive stance. Her emphasis on increased economic cooperation with India has raised hopes that the long-stalled Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries may be revived.
Importance of the FTA Between India and Canada
Negotiations on the FTA between India and Canada stalled in 2023 when relations deteriorated. The FTA would boost trade and investment between the two nations. Canada represents a large market for India, and a trade partnership with Canada is equally crucial for India. The indication from Canada's new Foreign Minister to restart FTA talks is a positive development.
Damage to India-Canada Relations Due to Trudeau's Policies
Anti-India rhetoric and the leeway given to Khalistani supporters during former PM Trudeau's tenure significantly harmed relations. India repeatedly protested the open support for Khalistani terrorists in Canada, but the Trudeau government ignored these concerns. The situation deteriorated to the point of death threats against Indian diplomats. Trudeau's political interests led to a severe downturn in India-Canada relations.
A Ray of Hope
With the formation of a new government in Canada and Foreign Minister Anita Anand's initial steps towards improving relations with India, there is hope for improved relations in the coming days. Resumption of FTA talks and the opening of new avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries are anticipated.
