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News18
26-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Why Economy, Diaspora Advocacy Could Add New Wind In New India-Canada Ties
Last Updated: The phone call between Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand and Jaishankar signifies a renewed commitment from both sides to mend relations that have been strained in recent years In a significant step toward rebuilding diplomatic relations between Canada and India, Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand spoke with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday, marking the first telephonic conversation between the two countries since the diplomatic stand-off triggered by former prime minister Justin Trudeau's controversial handling of issues between the two countries. The phone call signifies a renewed commitment from both sides to mend relations that have been strained in recent years. The discussion comes at a time when both nations are recognising the increasing significance of their relationship, not only in terms of diplomacy but also for addressing the economic and geopolitical challenges of the 21st century. Under Trudeau, the relationship between India and Canada slumped over the former prime minister's handling of Khalistani groups and his government's perceived soft stance on activities that India considered a threat to its national security. The murder of Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in Surrey by two masked gunmen on 18 June 2023. His death triggered the Canada–India diplomatic row as Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet accused agents of Indian government to be involved in Nijjar's murder. The diplomatic rift reached a crescendo when both nations reduced the scope of official exchanges after escalating tensions and a breakdown in communications. For the Indo-Canadian community, which numbers over 1.4 million and plays a key role in the social and economic fabric of Canada, the fallout was deeply frustrating. Many felt caught in the middle of a geopolitical dispute that hurt their connection to both their homeland and their adopted country. However, the community's efforts to restore ties between India and Canada were largely ignored by the Trudeau government. With the election of Mark Carney as Canada's new prime minister earlier this year, a clear shift in foreign policy is underway. Carney, who came to power on the mantle of economic revival, has made it clear that repairing the relationship with India is critical to Canada's economic future. Carney's push for economic recovery is closely tied to strengthening relationships with countries like India. As Canada faces growing tensions with China over issues ranging from foreign interference to security concerns in the Arctic, India comes across as a natural partner for Canada's economic and geopolitical strategy. Carney's government has made it clear that India's rapidly growing economy is one that Canada cannot afford to ignore. Diaspora's Role in Bridging the Gap The proactive role of Canada's Indo-Canadian community in this thaw of ties cannot be ignored. Organisations such as Radio India Limited, Desh Pardesh, and Hamdard, along with several Punjabi media outlets, have been at the forefront of advocating for a return to normalcy in India-Canada relations. These groups have lobbied both governments, urging them to move beyond the tensions and focus on shared interests in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. On May 16, Maninder Gill, managing director of Radio India, wrote to Carney, telling him that the upcoming G7 meeting in Canada 'would be an excellent opportunity to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and start a new chapter in the Indo-Canada relationship". Many within the diaspora had felt sidelined during the Trudeau years, as the political discourse was dominated by the issue of Khalistan. However, with Carney, there is hope that both India and Canada can focus on deeper collaboration. Economic Ties Set to Strengthen Economic factors are playing a central role in the shift. Canada is already a significant investor in India, with investments totalling over $3.3 billion between 2020 and 2023. Canadian pension funds, in particular, have become increasingly active in the Asia-Pacific region, with India seeing a significant rise in inflows over the past two decades. Canada is the 18th-largest foreign investor in India, with a focus on services, infrastructure, and technology sectors. As the two countries look to diversify their trade relations, the immense economic potential is one of the reasons the Carney government has already signaled a strong interest in enhancing ties with India. When Carney was elected, PM Modi had extended his wishes to the Canadian PM, signalling that New Delhi is eager to re-engage diplomatically. There were also reports suggesting India could reinstate its high commission in Canada in a move that would symbolise normalisation of ties. Shifting Geopolitics & National Security Concerns Economic factors aside, both countries are confronting common security challenges, particularly in the context of China's growing influence. While China remains a major trade partner for Canada, the threat posed by Beijing's geopolitical ambitions has raised alarms, particularly regarding foreign interference and the Arctic region. As Carney moves forward with his agenda to revitalise Canada's economy, the prospects for India-Canada relations look promising. The diplomatic dialogue that began with Anand and Jaishankar's phone call is just the first step in what could be a deeper and more strategic partnership between the two nations. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Singer Ali Haider reveals why he left Pakistan?
Ali Haider opens up about the multiple factors pushed him to leave the country. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article Renowned Pakistani singer Ali Haider has revealed the difficult decision that led him to leave his homeland. According to Haider, staying in Pakistan had become increasingly unsafe, which ultimately forced him to move abroad. In a recent appearance on Ahmed Ali Butt's podcast, Haider opened up about stepping away from the music scene and his personal life. The singer shared how he transitioned from pop music to reciting naats and religious poetry, leading to a significant decrease in his interest in pop songs. Unfortunately, this change in his musical direction led to growing difficulties, including receiving threats. Haider revealed that his father, who owned a printing press, had to shut down the business due to these threats, and the family was left in a state of constant fear. 'After 2010, my family experienced tragedies that I was dealing with. During that time, some people started following me. There were extortion demands, and religious factors came into play. The situation became so unsafe that I can't even describe the intensity of it,' he recalled. The singer shared that his emotional state led him to focus on spiritual pursuits, attending programs where he recited religious poetry, Hamd, Naats and Noha. However, despite his efforts to find peace, the situation continued to worsen. Haider recalled receiving a dangerous phone call one day, which further heightened his sense of vulnerability, especially since his home was located on a busy road, adding to his fears of being unsafe. It was then that Haider's mother intervened, urging him to leave the country for his own safety. 'One day, my mother said, 'If you stay here, it causes me more pain. You need to leave.' This was around 2013-2014,' Haider explained. Shortly after, he was granted a visa to the United States for a concert, marking the beginning of his journey abroad.
