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News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'One Step At A Time': Canada Foreign Minister Anita Anand Says India Ties Will Be Repaired
Last Updated: India-Canada ties hit an all-time low during Justin Trudeau's tenure after he accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Days after her telephonic conversation with Dr S Jaishankar, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Thursday (local time) said that Ottawa looks forward to rebuilding its ruptured ties with New Delhi and it is taking 'one step at a time" in that direction, according to a report. Mentioning the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 – the blame of which was brazenly put on India by then prime minister Justin Trudeau, leading to India-Canada ties hitting an all-time low – Anand said that while the investigation into the case is underway, the Mark Carney government aims to rebuild a partnership with the Modi government. The India-Canada ties suffered a major blow in September 2023, when Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist, who was a Canadian citizen. He claimed that he had 'credible allegations" of the involvement of Indian government officials in Nijjar's death. India denied the baseless allegations. These tensions led to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, a freeze on trade negotiations, among other steps. Around 20 months since this diplomatic fallout, the ambassador-level posts in each other's nations still remain vacant. Anand spoke to her Indian counterpart, Jaishankar, on Sunday and discussed 'strengthening Canada-India ties". When asked if she believed that the conversation would lead to the appointment of new high commissioners between the two countries, Anand said that they are taking 'one step at a time". 'We are certainly taking it one step at a time. As I mentioned, the rule of law will never be compromised, and there is an ongoing investigation regarding the case that you mentioned," she said in an interview, while referring to Nijjar's murder, The Globe And Mail reported. 'At the same time, we are looking forward to continuing to build this partnership, and we're looking forward to that as a government – it's not just me. It's part of the process of diversifying our relationships and building relationships around the world," the Foreign Minister added, indicating the country's efforts to diversify trade away from the United States – which has threatened Canada's sovereignty under President Donald Trump. According to Goldy Hyder, president of the Business Council of Canada, India is important to Canada's economic interests. He said that he plans to travel to India in July to set the stage to prepare for a bigger business trade delegation, which could take place either this fall or early next year, The Globe And Mail reported. 'You can't have an Indo-Canadian strategy without the Indo, and at some point in time, a mature democracy dealing with another mature democracy finds a way to deal with difficult situations," he said. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 30, 2025, 09:26 IST
Sydney Morning Herald
18-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Europe seeks defence pact with Australia as tanks head to Ukraine
'The good thing is, Australia and Europe are reliable partners. We're predictable. We share the same values. 'And this is the reason also that we do not only see you as a trading partner, but we see you as a strategic partner, and we would very much like to broaden this strategic partnership. 'For example, we have signed security and defence agreements with South Korea and with Japan, soon with the UK. We would be very pleased if we could develop such a security and defence partnership too, just to broaden the strategic partnership.' The EU signed a defence partnership with South Korea last November to set up joint talks on security and intelligence, clear the way for military exercises, respect sea borders and work together on cybersecurity. While the agreement did not name any adversaries, it focused on risks that have been aired in the past in relation to Russia and China, such as cybersecurity. Albanese expressed caution about the EU suggestion when speaking to reporters after his meeting with von der Leyen, but he was open about the prospect of closer defence ties. Loading 'We said that we were certainly interested in any further engagement of support, but it's very early stages at this point,' he said. Albanese said the further talks would take place at NATO or with the EU. Australia works with NATO, for instance in sending military aid to Ukraine, as one of the 'Indo Pacific Four' along with Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. 'I wouldn't over-read what Ursula von der Leyen statements were,' he said. 'It was a suggestion by the president that the relationship was based upon not just economic relations, but based upon our values. 'And it's no accident that Europe has defended the Ukrainian people, and so has Australia. We will stand up for the international rule of law.' Zelensky told Albanese that Ukraine wanted tougher sanctions on Russia, but he also thanked Australia for the sanctions it had already imposed along with the delivery of military support and humanitarian aid worth $1.5 billion. 'Together, we can really move this situation closer to peace, with pressure on Russia,' Zelensky said. 'And we are very thankful for sanctions. I want to raise with you also this topic, which is very important: put more pressure, more sanctions on Russia.' Albanese told reporters afterwards that Australia had already imposed 1400 sanctions against Russian individuals and companies, but he left open the idea of doing more. 'We continue to look at whatever we can do to place pressure on Russia,' he said. 'It's important, as well, that we continue to send the message to the globe that we stand with Ukraine.' Albanese confirmed in public on Sunday that he was prepared to consider any proposal for a 'coalition of the willing' to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine if peace could be achieved. The 'coalition of the willing' was suggested by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to patrol Ukraine if a peace deal was signed.
The Age
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Europe seeks defence pact with Australia as tanks head to Ukraine
'The good thing is, Australia and Europe are reliable partners. We're predictable. We share the same values. 'And this is the reason also that we do not only see you as a trading partner, but we see you as a strategic partner, and we would very much like to broaden this strategic partnership. 'For example, we have signed security and defence agreements with South Korea and with Japan, soon with the UK. We would be very pleased if we could develop such a security and defence partnership too, just to broaden the strategic partnership.' The EU signed a defence partnership with South Korea last November to set up joint talks on security and intelligence, clear the way for military exercises, respect sea borders and work together on cybersecurity. While the agreement did not name any adversaries, it focused on risks that have been aired in the past in relation to Russia and China, such as cybersecurity. Albanese expressed caution about the EU suggestion when speaking to reporters after his meeting with von der Leyen, but he was open about the prospect of closer defence ties. Loading 'We said that we were certainly interested in any further engagement of support, but it's very early stages at this point,' he said. Albanese said the further talks would take place at NATO or with the EU. Australia works with NATO, for instance in sending military aid to Ukraine, as one of the 'Indo Pacific Four' along with Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. 'I wouldn't over-read what Ursula von der Leyen statements were,' he said. 'It was a suggestion by the president that the relationship was based upon not just economic relations, but based upon our values. 'And it's no accident that Europe has defended the Ukrainian people, and so has Australia. We will stand up for the international rule of law.' Zelensky told Albanese that Ukraine wanted tougher sanctions on Russia, but he also thanked Australia for the sanctions it had already imposed along with the delivery of military support and humanitarian aid worth $1.5 billion. 'Together, we can really move this situation closer to peace, with pressure on Russia,' Zelensky said. 'And we are very thankful for sanctions. I want to raise with you also this topic, which is very important: put more pressure, more sanctions on Russia.' Albanese told reporters afterwards that Australia had already imposed 1400 sanctions against Russian individuals and companies, but he left open the idea of doing more. 'We continue to look at whatever we can do to place pressure on Russia,' he said. 'It's important, as well, that we continue to send the message to the globe that we stand with Ukraine.' Albanese confirmed in public on Sunday that he was prepared to consider any proposal for a 'coalition of the willing' to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine if peace could be achieved. The 'coalition of the willing' was suggested by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to patrol Ukraine if a peace deal was signed.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Turkiye tours cancelled after protests in Kanpur
1 2 3 Kanpur: People in India have started protests against Turkiye which openly supported Pakistan in the recent Indo–Pak conflict. Sikh Welfare Society on Friday staged a protest demonstration against Turkiye in the Gumti area, and cancelled seven tour packages of Indian tourists to the tune of Rs 35 lakh. The members of Sikh Welfare Society carrying placards displaying ' Boycott Turkiye ', 'Boycott Turkiye tourism' reached Book My Holiday travel Agency and lodged their protest. Witnessing the countrywide protest and especially in front of his office, Jasbir Juneja, director of the travel agency himself called the travellers who had booked their tours of Turkiye and Istanbul and asked them to cancel the tour and opt for any other tour plan. Most of the travelers cancelled their tour plans voluntarily. Sardar Gurinder Singh Chhabra, state president of the Society later said that through such protests his society would teach a lesson to the anti-country forces. Each and every citizen fully supports the Indian government and Indian army, and that is why Turkiye and Istanbul packages had been cancelled. Chhabra stated that Turkiye's open support to Pakistan forced his society to lodge protests and appeal to the citizens to cancel their Turkiye tour packages and break other business contracts. Jasbir Juneja, director of a travel company said that in the present circumstances, people were opting for other tour packages and plans. Those who had already booked the Turkiye tour plan are cancelling it.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Post Pahalgam terror attack – A view on Indian approach (part 1)
Whenever there is any mention of an Indo–Pak conflict, there is always a discussion on the likely role of China in such an eventuality. Perhaps, rightly so too since China and Pakistan have a strong alliance and India shares a long-unsettled border with China. In the current scenario after the Pahalgam terror attack, once again this subject is under discussion. Both India and China, two of the world's largest nations, have huge aspirations to become economic super powers with matching military might. China has already stolen a march over India in both and we are playing a 'catching up' game which is far from easy. To make matters worse for India, China is a permanent member of the United Nation's Security Council: a seat that was offered to India in 1950 but for reasons unknown, late Prime Minister, Mr Nehru, recommended that it should be offered to China instead. China was quick to seize the opportunity and it has served the country well ever since while India has often been on the receiving end from the deliberations in the UNSC. A lot is said about the Chinese investment in Pakistan, mainly related to the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC is a major initiative of China, as part of BRI, to achieve larger connectivity and cooperation with Eurasian nations (South & Central Asian nations). BRI aims to give a significant boost to Pakistan's infrastructure, transportation and energy systems. As part of BRI, China aims to develop the Gwadar port which apart from facilitating trade also has a huge strategic importance in the region. Despite some hiccups along the way, particularly the resistance from Baluchistan based pro-independence groups, the project is moving forward. In the process, the two nations have become strategically allied and Pakistan has become increasingly dependent on Chinese aid and support. The attacks by Baluchi insurgents to derail the projects, have resulted in the presence of thousands of Chinese troops in Pakistan as part of security measures to safeguard Chinese personnel and other interests. Today, Pakistan's government is in an irreversible Chinese debt trap like many other African nations. On one hand Pakistan is indebted to China while on the other China has to protect its huge investments in Pakistan. Thus, both nations have no choice but to stand with each other. In such a scenario, Chinese involvement, in a limited manner, in any major conflict between India and Pakistan will be a natural progression. The extent of participation may be debated but its likelihood is a given. The signs of China backing Pakistan all the way are there to see. The UNSC statement, after the Pahalgam incident, was watered down at China's instance in connivance with Pakistan. The UNSC called for cooperation from all members countries to all relevant authorities without mentioning The Resistance Front (TRF) at the insistence of Pakistan, currently a temporary member of the council. In contrast, the UNSC statement issued in March 2025 after the Baluchistan train attack in which 26 Pakistani hostages were killed, had clearly named Baluchistan Liberation Army and called the attack as heinous and cowardly. China supports Pakistan's call for a fair probe into the incident and refuses to acknowledge it as an act sponsored by Pakistan. China's foreign minister spoke to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister to convey his nation's support and to acknowledge Pakistan's resolute fight against terror. Their foreign ministry's statement reads, 'As Pakistan's ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests.' This statement, perhaps, says it all. The Chinese spokesperson also said, 'As the neighbour of the two countries, China calls on the two sides to exercise restraint, solve differences through dialogue and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable.' No mention of terrorism, who perpetuated it or Indian lives lost in the attack. China has extended this support despite the admission by Pakistan's defence minister, Khwaja Asif, to Sky News recently that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terror groups for years. In principle China can assist Pakistan by supplying them military hardware, satellite surveillance of Indian troop movements, ensuring a large part of Indian troops remain committed to the Indo-China border by suitable posturing at selected places, and garnering international support. While China will not commit its troops already stationed in Pakistan against India, they can certainly play a limited role in backing Pakistani troops in different ways. In the worst-case scenario, in an extended Indo-Pak conflict, China may escalate selectively along the Indo – China border to engage Indian troops in a limited combat to create additional problems for India. However, China is unlikely to enter into a major war with India directly in its endeavour to assist Pakistan. Any such war will also affect Chinese economy and development adversely. Any intense conflict between India and Pakistan, even if it is short, will take a heavy toll of Indian economy and that will please China to no end. So, it makes no sense for China to engage India directly. In today's environment, after the fall of the elected government in Bangladesh, India will have to be vary of what Bangladesh can do in case of a war between India and Pakistan. Their recent bonhomie with Pakistan can only add trouble for India. It irks the fundamentalists that Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister, has sought asylum in India. The refugee / illegal migration from Bangladesh and India's firm stance on the same is another vexing issue. India has already taken some stern measures against the country like not allowing export of their goods through Indian overland routes. As per reports, Bangladesh is already in talks with China to build an airfield in Lalmonirhat District, a site close to the critical Chicken's Neck area in India. So, Bangladesh can definitely create some irritants along its borders with India. (Continued in Part 2…) Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
