Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora

Source– The post is based on the article “Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora” published in the “The Indian Express” on 21st September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance- India and Canada bilateral relationship

News– Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has alleged that Indian agents killed Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar this June. It has strained the relationship between the two countries.

What has been the trajectory of the India and Canada relationship?

During the cold war– During the Cold War, relations between Ottawa and New Delhi were fine. It was due to their shared Commonwealth status and aligned views on the significance of the United Nations, multilateralism, and global development.

However, differences emerged during Cold War conflicts in Korea, Hungary, and Vietnam. It strained the relationship. India’s pursuit of a nuclear program created further issues.

Post cold war

Since the 1980s- Increasing Immigration from India improved the relations. However, there were limited opportunities for trade or security cooperation. So, no substantial diplomatic engagement could be established at that time.

After, 1998, Significant efforts have been made to rejuvenate the relationship, when Canada rejected India’s nuclear status.

Current status- Today, the core of the relationship revolves around investment and trade.

However, certain segments of the diaspora community hold strong negative sentiments towards India, reject its territorial integrity, and aim to fragment it.

How is diaspora politics by the Canadian government causing strain in the India and Canada relationship?

Canada has shown a softcorner for Khalistani groups and other diaspora elements. It is a characteristic feature of its foreign policy.

Both political parties, Liberals and Conservatives, have kept a favorable attitude towards diaspora groups.

This diaspora politics has prevented Canadian governments from separating national security and foreign policy priorities from short-term electoral pressures.

The views expressed by pro-Khalistan groups have been a source of concern for the Indian government.

What is the approach of the current Indian government towards the diaspora?

Diaspora engagement has intensified under the present government. There are efforts to encourage them to invest in India’s economic development.

Wealthy Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) play a crucial role in remittances, networks, and ideas flowing into India.

Support from Diaspora have advanced India’s strategic relationships with the United States and helped national initiatives like Make in India and Digital India.

Why does diaspora engagement by the current Indian government need careful management?

During Indian PM’s foreign visits, civil society groups were demanding attention to human rights. Recent pro-Khalistan protests in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have turned contentious and violent.

Caste discrimination is becoming an important issue within US firms, universities, and organizations.

Digital technologies have transformed how Indian immigrants abroad interact with their homeland. It is leading to divisions in terms of political views, language preferences, and ideological affiliations, among diaspora.

The rise of Transnational organisations like pro-khalistani groups, are posing a significant challenge to Indian foreign policy of a favourable approach to most diaspora groups.

Way forward-

Read- Indian Canada Relations