Has Canada Rectified Its Errors with India?
Following the departure of Justin Trudeau, Canada finds itself grappling with a perplexing foreign policy predicament. During his visit to meet President Trump, Trudeau received a frosty reception, leaving him unable to engage in diplomatic maneuvering or deliver a comparable rebuke. Consequently, he chose to resign, passing the reins to a well-known banker rather than a politician who refused to bow down to Trump’s influence. Notably, this individual has also taken steps to rectify the misguided actions taken by Trudeau against India, ostensibly to appease a segment of newly arrived immigrants who were ineligible for citizenship and voting rights.
During the G-20 summit in India, Prime Minister Modi, the host, refused to accept Trudeau’s chargesheet regarding Indian involvement in the murder of a Khalistani activist and his subsequent illegal entry into Canada. Despite Trudeau’s departure from G-20 in a huff, his plane encountered mechanical difficulties, necessitating an additional two days of confinement within the aircraft. Trudeau’s lack of diplomatic acumen in handling international relations has been evident in his treatment by both Trump and Modi, making such encounters not uncommon.
However, Prime Minister Carney, assuming the role of the new Prime Minister, recognizes the precarious situation he has been thrust into. While he may be unable to halt Trump’s tariffs, he has the opportunity to rectify the wrongs committed against India.
In response to the situation, other G-7 nations compelled Carney to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the summit. Despite the underlying advice from Trudeau’s advisors against such an action, Canada recognizes the necessity of trade relations with India, particularly given the country’s rapid economic growth and its allure as a potential trading partner.
Furthermore, during their face-to-face meeting, Carney and Modi exchanged expressions of mutual admiration and proposed the re-establishment of diplomatic ties that were strained during Trudeau’s tenure.
Therefore, there is a glimmer of hope that Canada is taking positive steps to rectify its past mistakes. However, it remains to be seen whether internal leftover Trudeau advisors of Carney will attempt to undermine these efforts once again.