13 January 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1)  While India-Canada ties are caught in a downward spiral, careful negotiations on certain pressure points, can bring the relationship back to normalcy. In this light, analyse the critical dimensions between the two nations. (150 Words/10 Marks)

 

ANSWER:

India and Canada have had a long-standing bilateral relationship based on shared values, interests, and people-to-people contacts. However, it has experienced turbulence due to various geopolitical, economic, and social issues.

 

Current downward spiral and critical dimensions in India-Canada Relations:

 1. Political Issues:

a. The most significant contentious issue has become the presence of Khalistani separatists in Canada – India views them as an internal security threat while Canada seeks to preserve the freedom of expression of its Sikh population [e.g. Canada allowed a parade glorifying the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi];

b. Canada criticism of India over human rights violation has been another irritant [e.g. Canada’s criticism of the situation in J&K].

 

2. Economic Issues: (a) Indian students find it increasingly difficult to obtain study and work visas in Canada; (b) negotiations on FTA have been paused, showcasing the contentious nature of trade between both countries; (c) Indian producer’s concerns over Canadian exports – pulses and canola oil.

 

3. Diplomatic Issues: Canada has accused India of being involved in the assassination of a Canadian national (Nijjar) + it has arrested Indian nationals in Canada; such an allegation, without any evidence, has led to severe degradation of ties.

 

4. Other Issues: (a) there are significant divergences between both countries on the issue of climate finance and historical emission responsibilities; (b) both countries have not collaborated on international forums, such as G20.

 

Steps to Return the Relationship to Normalcy:

1. Diplomacy: (a) open discussion on the separatist issue through Track 1 and Track II diplomacy + take steps to curb extremism on their respective soils; (b) develop a bilateral framework between the human rights bodies of each country; (c) visa regime should be liberalized + promote cultural exchange; (c) regular high-level diplomatic exchanges to understand and align their stances on global issues, such as Indo-Pacific.

2. Economic: (a) impetus to resume and complete the stalled FTA negotiations; (b) reduce trade and non-trade barriers to deepen cooperation; (c) expand cooperation beyond traditional sectors to healthcare, renewable energy, and emerging technologies; (c) joint investment facilitation mechanisms to address regulatory hurdles.

3. Others: (a) develop a shared commitment to climate change through joint initiatives, etc.; (b) partnerships in clean energy technologies [such as wind energy] + explore opportunities for joint ventures; (c) simply procedures for the movement of people.

 

For more such UPSC related Mains Answer Writing, Check Out 11 Januray 2025 : Daily Answer Writing