AFTER a deep freeze in relations for a long period, a reset is under way in the bilateral ties between India and Canada. The re-engagement has carefully chosen the safe path of dialogue and calibration as both New Delhi and Ottawa are slowly but surely discarding the burden of the recent past fuelled by the previous Government in Canada. The visit of Canada’s Foreign Minister Ms Anita Anand was a significant step in reorienting the bilateral relations between the two traditional partners. During her meeting with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the Canadian Foreign Minister stressed on the “importance of elevating the relationship going further”.

 

It forms the summary of the new beginning of Indo-Canada ties which seem to have overcome the issues of distrust that had led to a deep chill under the former regime in Ottawa. From the low in relationship under former Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau last year, India and Canada have quickly reassessed the changing global scenario and realised that a united force adhering to rule of law, territorial integrity and each other’s sensitivities is the way forward. Both the Governments were at loggerheads last year, expelling diplomats, pausing trade talks, and escalating the chill to international level. That period of pervasive mistrust marked by persistent irritants due to the backing to anti-India elements by Mr. Trudeau seems to have been pushed out by Prime Minister Mr. Mark Carney. The recalibration, started on the sidelines of the G7 summit by Mr. Carney and Prime Minister Mr. Modi, has found a ‘new momentum’ with Ms. Anand’s visit. It has opened ways to forge a healthy partnership and re-establish bilateral mechanisms on trade, investment, and science and technology co-operation.

 

Both the Governments have chosen steadiness to rebuild partnership which reflects their willingness to prioritise pragmatism over spectacle. While part credit for the Indo-Canada reset can be attributed to the tariff bombs hurled at both by United States President Mr. Donald Trump, there is a definite change in thinking and attitude of the leadership in Ottawa under Mr. Carney. There is realisation of sticking together in wake of the uncertainties emerging from Mr. Trump’s maverick policies and their impact on the global economy. Both India and Canada are the worst hit by Trump tariffs but both have taken their time to conclude a trade deal with the US.

 

This exercise of dealing with a bully out to demean democratic set-ups has given enough hints to both India and Canada to find a way around the current volatility. Trade will definitely form the crux of India’s next phase of ties with Canada, and it will be beneficial for both nations. Canada has already signaled its intent to accommodate Indian talent which might be denied opportunity in the US due to the strict H1-B visa regulations. Though the joint statement in New Delhi did not mention this point, there were enough hints of India and Canada drawing an ambitious roadmap for the future. One major aspect of the series of meetings at various levels is the willingness to exploit potential in the critical minerals sector. Both sides have planned a Critical Minerals Annual Dialogue next year to identify ways to utilise Canada’s mining expertise to provide energy security to India.

 

It is a major step in bilateral relations, especially after the export controls on rare earth minerals by China. The ‘new momentum’ both India and Canada are seeking will be spurred by many such engagements in critical sectors. The momentum will also need a good push at the people-to-people level by carefully reading the anti-Indian sentiments in some Canadian pockets. Diaspora can become the biggest bridge to find a new reset between New Delhi and Ottawa. It can sustain the ‘new momentum’.