The Canada-India relationship has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. From nuclear tensions to trade disputes, the two countries have often found themselves at odds with each other. However, it is important to understand that much of the disagreements and controversies are driven by domestic politics rather than genuine animosity between the two nations.
One of the defining moments in the Canada-India relationship was in 1974 when Canada accused India of misusing atomic support received from Canadian reactors to develop nuclear weapons. India, in turn, felt that Canada’s criticism was hypocritical, considering its own privileged status as a nuclear-armed nation. This incident strained relations between the two countries and set the stage for future conflicts.
Another significant blow to the relationship came in 1985 with the bombing of an Air India flight, known as the ‘Kanishka’ bombing. The botched Canadian investigation and perceived lack of cooperation from India further deteriorated bilateral ties. The issue of Khalistan separatism has since cast a long shadow over diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
In 1998, Canada responded strongly to India’s second nuclear test by imposing various sanctions, including recalling its high commissioner, suspending trade relations, and opposing India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council. However, these measures failed to significantly impact India’s economy or its ‘soft power’ capabilities.
Despite these conflicts, efforts have been made to improve relations between the two countries. In 2010, Indian PM Manmohan Singh visited Canada and worked towards enhancing trade, strategic, and cultural ties. Subsequently, PM Narendra Modi further strengthened the relationship, leading to a significant increase in trade and investment between the two countries.
It is important to recognize that much of the contentious issues between India and Canada are driven by domestic politics. Both countries have their own political agendas and target certain groups or issues to appeal to their respective voter bases. In Canada, for example, the immigration policy was changed to promote family reunification, which greatly increased the Sikh population in the country. Similarly, India’s focus on the Kanishka bombing issue was influenced by domestic politics.
In the end, it is crucial for both countries to approach their relationship with calm and understanding. Like in the Mahabharata, there are no real winners in this conflict. It is time to move forward and focus on building a productive and mutually beneficial partnership.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author)