Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand emphasized Canada’s commitment to prioritizing public safety, combating transnational repression, and addressing foreign interference while engaging in trade discussions with India. Anand highlighted the government’s focus on upholding these critical issues across all countries, not just with India, stating that public safety and security are paramount concerns for the government.
Anand mentioned that the federal government is working to recalibrate the economic relationship with India while ensuring that Canadian law enforcement agencies operate independently and without hindrance. This statement follows the recent announcement of negotiations for a new trade agreement between Canada and India.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting at the G20 summit in South Africa led to the agreement to pursue a trade deal, as shared by Carney in a social media post. Carney expressed optimism about the potential for the trade deal to significantly boost Canada-India trade to $70 billion, underscoring the economic opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.
The warming diplomatic relations between Canada and India signal a shift from past tensions, particularly regarding allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Anand acknowledged the changing global trade landscape, referencing the impact of global tariff policies, and emphasized that Canada’s foreign policy continues to uphold core values, including safeguarding democratic institutions against transnational repression.
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, emphasized the importance of prioritizing security concerns while strengthening bilateral ties. Patnaik stressed the need for both countries to ensure the safety of their citizens within their respective territories.
However, some Sikh activists, such as those associated with Sikhs for Justice, expressed discontent with the trade engagement between Canada and India, coinciding with a referendum in Ottawa advocating for an independent Sikh Punjab. The organization highlighted that the referendum turnout indicated a rejection of the Canadian government’s approach toward engaging with India.
Despite differing perspectives, both Canada and India are working towards enhancing trade relations, with Carney underscoring the potential benefits of partnering with one of the world’s largest economies. He reiterated Canada’s commitment to collaborating with Indian authorities on security matters and maintaining vigilance against foreign interference.
The ongoing dialogue and negotiations between Canada and India reflect a deeper engagement aimed at fostering economic growth while addressing security concerns and maintaining diplomatic ties between the two nations.