India Canada Relation
Source: PIB
GS II: International Relation
Overview
- News in Brief
- India Canada Relation
Why in the News?
With Canada being seen as going soft on Khalistani extremists amid strained relations with India, the proKhalistan radicals in Punjab and outside the country could get spurred, even as the movement finds little support in the State.
- Yet, the demand keeps resurfacing through a minuscule section of the Sikh diaspora.
India Canada Relation
- The current political and law enforcement situation in the state of Punjab is causing concern among observers.
- They fear that if Canada allows anti-India activities under the guise of freedom of expression, it could embolden radical elements and pose a significant threat to Punjab.
- This is especially concerning since the state shares a border with a hostile nation – Pakistan.
- Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable increase in Khalistan-linked incidents in Punjab and the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh.
India Canada Relation
- India-Canada relations encompass various aspects, including trade, investment, education, and people-to-people ties.
- India and Canada share diplomatic relations that have evolved and strengthened over the years.
Trade and Economic Relations
- Bilateral Trade Volume: In 2019, the total bilateral trade between India and Canada was approximately USD 8 billion.
- Export to Canada: India’s major exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, machinery, textiles, and vehicles.
- Import from Canada: India imports natural resources from Canada, including minerals, ores, aluminium, and fertilizers.
Investment
- Indian Investments in Canada: Indian companies have made investments in Canada across various sectors, including information technology, pharmaceuticals, and natural resources. Notable Indian companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys have a presence in Canada.
- Canadian Investments in India: Canadian companies have also invested in India, primarily in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and information technology.
Education and People-to-People Ties
- Indian Students in Canada: Canada is a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education. As of 2019, there were over 200,000 Indian students studying in Canada.
- Indian Diaspora: The Indian diaspora in Canada is estimated to be around 1.6 million people. It is a significant and influential community contributing to Canada’s multicultural fabric.
Strategic Partnership
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: India and Canada have cooperated in counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence sharing to combat global terrorism.
- Climate Change and Clean Energy: Both countries share an interest in addressing climate change. They collaborate on renewable energy projects and environmental protection initiatives.
Challenges
- Trade Disputes: There have been trade disputes, particularly related to tariffs on agricultural products like pulses, where India imposed tariffs on Canadian lentils and chickpeas.
- Visa and Immigration Issues: Challenges related to visas and immigration policies have occasionally affected people-to-people exchanges and business ties.
Future Prospects
- Technology and Innovation: Both India and Canada are exploring opportunities to enhance cooperation in emerging sectors, including technology, innovation, and healthcare.
- Global Leadership: Both countries aspire to play a more significant role in global affairs and are actively engaged in discussions on United Nations reforms and other international forums.
Khalisthan Issue
- Diaspora Activism
- The Khalistan movement received support from some sections of the Sikh diaspora, primarily in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- This led to diplomatic challenges in managing relations with these countries.
- Counter-Narrative
- India had to engage in diplomatic efforts to counter the Khalistan narrative and promote a positive image of Sikh contributions to the country.
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