Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited India. She met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi said that her visit to India would strengthen the bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi posted images of his meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister on the social media site Instagram. PM Modi shared the images, writing, "Welcomed Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. Measures were discussed to increase cooperation in commerce, technology, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people interactions for mutual progress and prosperity.
Anita Anand, the Foreign Minister of Canada, is a Canadian citizen with Indian heritage. She was born in Canada. Her father hails from Tamil Nadu, while her mother originates from Punjab. She has additionally served as an advocate and has engaged actively in the political arena. She has consistently maintained strong connections with the Punjabi community residing in Canada. It is logical to arrange for her to undertake an official visit to India.
The dynamics of the relationship between India and Canada seem to be improving in various dimensions. Canada has consistently maintained strong ties with India. Currently, a vast number of individuals in India, with Punjabis constituting the largest group, hold citizenship in this nation. We have duly acknowledged their significant contributions across various fields.
A militant movement has persisted in Punjab for several decades. Throughout this period, individuals affiliated with various extremist organizations had similarly relocated to Canada
through different means. They persistently advocated against India in that context and consistently contributed to the protests occurring here in Canada.
For an extended period, many militants have been residing here, sought by India for a variety of cases. The Indian government has expressed concerns to previous Canadian administrations regarding the ongoing use of land here in Canada for activities that promote anti-India sentiments. In this context, India has consistently voiced its objections to the government involved on various occasions.
India has fostered comprehensive relations with Canada. A significant number of students from this region have pursued their education in Canada and subsequently made it their home. Their other family members also preferred to come and settle here in Canada. This is precisely why we are witnessing a significant rise in the population of Punjabis in Canada today. Indians have certainly made a name for themselves across multiple domains. They have certainly left an impression in the realm of Canadian politics. Despite the relatively small number of pro-Khalistan extremists, their actions and rhetoric have undoubtedly posed a significant challenge for the Indian government.
The tragic Kanishk plane crash in Canada has been associated with these militant groups. In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan militant, was killed in Canada. Extremists in the region consistently backed Justin Trudeau during his tenure as prime minister.
Consequently, the relations between the two countries have been marked by increasing tension and bitterness throughout Justin Trudeau's time in office. Justin Trudeau has connected the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar to India, labelling this act as one carried out by Indian agents.
However, India has consistently refuted such claims. This situation has significantly strained the relationship between the two nations, culminating in a near-total breakdown of diplomatic ties. Embassies experienced a closure of sorts.
Here in Canada, there has been significant criticism of Justin Trudeau's approach towards India. In addition to this, Trudeau's impact has waned considerably, attributed to various domestic factors and other influences. This April, during the parliamentary elections, Mark Carney was elevated to the position of Prime Minister, thanks to the support of his own Liberal Party. Upon assuming power, Carney swiftly shifted his stance toward India, initiating efforts to restore a sense of comfort in relations between the two nations.
In June, the G-7 summit took place in Kananaskis, Canada, with the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There was also a very long conversation between them, due to which the relations between the two countries started improving again.
The language used in the joint statement indicates a dedication to addressing security concerns; nonetheless, Canada's adherence to its legal frameworks and India's demand for decisive measures against separatism pose a considerable challenge to finding common ground. Minister Anand's focus on restoring Canada's full diplomatic team and maintaining active law enforcement discussions before fully re-engaging in trade agreements, such as the postponed Early Progress Trade Agreement, highlights the ongoing nature of the core trust deficit. This represents a crucial political hurdle that must be overcome for the relationship to achieve its maximum potential.
The framework set forth during Anand's visit paves the way for a relationship that looks ahead with optimism. The potential is immense, rooted in synergistic economies, the vibrant Indian community in Canada, and shared democratic values. Critical minerals, clean energy, and the digital economy offer substantial prospects, influencing the future that lies ahead.
Currently, it appears that Canada and the US are unlikely to come to a trade agreement, and honestly, I believe that Trump never intended to reach one in the first place. He is unwilling to engage in negotiations, resorts to dishonesty, issues threats, and subsequently imposes another tariff when Canada does not comply with his demands.
Mark Carney is prioritising the best interests of Canada. That is what he does. He was not elected to cater to the desires of your irrational leader. Just a day before the deadline to finalize a trade agreement, Trump is ignoring calls from PM Carney and has opted to sign an executive order that raises tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 per cent to 35 per cent for all products not included in the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Such an act hardly qualifies as negotiations. Trump aims to make Canada the 51st state and will likely continue his psychological tactics until Canada concedes on trade matters.
Maybe it's better for Canada and the Canadians. Canada no longer perceives America as a friend or ally. Canadians exhibit a distinct disinterest in forming associations with America, a country currently grappling with issues such as crime, illegal drugs, and poverty. In response to Trump's aggressive threats directed at Canada, Greenland, and Gaza, Canadians expressed significant outrage, leading them to implement a comprehensive boycott of all American goods and services entering Canada, regardless of any tariffs imposed. Canadians are resolute in their decision to uphold the boycott for an indefinite period, as they perceive that threats entail significant consequences. Bullying is universally condemned, and Canadians, among others, will not yield to intimidation from Trump or any American figure.
In this scenario India and Canada have reached an agreement on a new roadmap for their relations. Trump's tariff is negatively impacting both countries.
In this scenario, External Affairs Minister Anita Anand has undertaken a short visit to India. During her visit, she had the opportunity to engage with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and converse with Prime Minister Modi. Both nations have made additional strides to enhance collaborative efforts in areas such as trade, energy, technology, and investment. Additionally, there may be a chance to relax the limitations currently placed on Indian students in the near future. The ongoing collaboration between Canada and India, following Britain's example, sends a positive signal for both nations and underscores the opportunities for advancement across various sectors through shared efforts.
Surjit Singh Flora is a freelance writer and journalist who lives in Brampton, Canada. He is the author of the book “The Challenge and the Opportunity”
