Musings on the frictions in India-Canada ties

Source– The post is based on the article “Musings on the frictions in India-Canada ties” published in “The Hindu” on 14th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings

Relevance- India and Canada bilateral relationship

News- During a pro-Khalistan parade on June 4 in Brampton, Canada, there was a tableau that depicted a lady clad in a white sari, who was bloodied, with two soldiers training their guns on her. The lady represented one of India’s ex-Prime Minister.

What is the role played by the Indian diaspora in Candian domestic politics and how is it effecting India-Canada relations?

The ethnic Indian community, including the Sikhs, plays an important role in Canada’s public life. There are currently some ethnic Indians in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

At the press conference, Mr. Jaishankar indirectly mentioned Canada’s indulgence of Khalistani elements and attributed it to ‘vote bank’ politics.

Mr. Trudeau commented on farmers’ agitation which was a purely domestic Indian issue.

Mr. Trudeau is critically dependent on the New Democratic Party for his government’s survival. Jagmeet Singh, the NDP leader, is a committed Khalistani sympathiser.

He had also asked Mr. Trudeau to intervene in the events in Punjab surrounding radical preacher Amritpal Singh’s activities.

What are the new Indian political class’s approaches towards the diaspora which has gained political, financial and professional success in many countries?

It has become a pillar of foreign policy, especially in the present dispensation. It also used Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity with a vast section of the diaspora to impress domestic public opinion.

Wherever the diaspora is politically important, local politicians want to use Mr. Modi’s popularity for their political purposes. The latest example is Mr. Modi’s diaspora rally during his recent visit to Australia.

Following Mr. Modi’s example, other Indian political players will also now play diaspora politics. The Congress’s Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to the United States is a case in point.