Latest news with #Udall
Canada Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Canada Standard
"Modi at G7 a chance to reset India-Canada ties amid Khalistan tensions": Canadian podcaster Josh Udall
Ontario [Canada], June 11 (ANI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, from June 15 to 17, his presence signifies more than just India's growing global influence -- it presents an opportunity to reset and redefine bilateral relations between India and Canada, says Canadian political commentator and podcaster Josh Udall. Udall, who applies his expertise in behavioural research and political analysis to Canadian public discourse, sees this moment as pivotal -- not just for economic diplomacy, but also for confronting longstanding irritants in the relationship, especially the issue of Khalistani extremism. In an exclusive interview, Udall dissected the complexities and political undercurrents shaping the evolving dynamic between Ottawa and New Delhi. According to Udall, Prime Minister Modi's visit to the G7 -- where he's likely to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- offers Canada a critical opening to move past the chill that marked Indo-Canadian relations under Justin Trudeau. 'Mark Carney is the economic guy. He's the one you call in a crisis,' Udall noted, pointing out that Carney's chief interest is revitalising Canada's economic relationships, particularly beyond the shadow of the United States. India is now the world's fourth-largest economy. It only makes sense to pursue a strong trade partnership with them,' he said. Udall emphasised that Carney's push for economic ties is not rooted in any deep understanding of the Indo-Canadian political baggage, especially the divisive Khalistan issue. 'There's very little political will in Canada to address the Khalistani extremism that India is concerned about,' he said, underscoring the wide gap between Canadian public perception and Indian security priorities. Udall was candid about the domestic ignorance surrounding the Khalistan issue in Canada. 'Most Canadians have no idea,' he said. 'They've heard snippets on CBC or CTV, maybe remember something about Trudeau accusing India of killing a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, but they don't understand the long and complicated history.' He added that Khalistani narratives dominate Canadian media, with little to no Hindu or Indian nationalist representation providing a counterbalance. 'It's mostly Khalistani voices getting airtime,' he observed. 'That dangerously shapes public perception.' The result, according to Udall, is a skewed understanding of India as an interfering foreign power. 'To Canadians, India is starting to feel like the new Russia -- accused of meddling in elections and domestic politics,' he said. This, he argues, makes it nearly impossible to garner domestic support for India's long-pending demand to extradite 26 fugitives linked to extremist activities. Given this context, Udall believes that the burden of advocacy rests squarely on Prime Minister Modi. 'If Modi wants movement on the Khalistan issue or extradition demands, he's going to have to tie those to economic incentives. That's the only language that might move Carney,' he said. Udall was clear-eyed about the challenge. 'Carney doesn't know the history, and he won't prioritise it unless it's linked to something he values -- namely, trade. Modi has to make that case clearly and strategically.' The situation is further complicated by Canada's domestic political landscape. 'Carney will see the protests from Sikh groups against Modi's visit, and he will dismiss them. That's his style. But unless there is pressure from voters or political consequences, don't expect him to act on India's security concerns.' One of the most significant shifts, Udall points out, is the political transition from Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh to Mark Carney's administration. He believes this creates a rare moment for recalibration. 'Trudeau's stance toward India was heavily influenced by domestic alliances, particularly with the NDP and Jagmeet Singh,' he said. 'There were alleged associations between Singh and pro-Khalistan groups, and that coloured Trudeau's approach to India.' Now, with both Trudeau and Singh out of the picture, Udall sees a clean slate. 'Carney's gesture of inviting Modi is a sign: let's forget the past and focus on mutual benefit,' he said. 'It's a soft restart -- an olive branch.' For Udall, the G7 Summit marks a watershed moment. 'What happens at this meeting will dictate the course of India-Canada relations,' he asserted. 'If Modi and Carney strike the right tone, it could initiate a slow but steady thaw.' However, Udall warns that any progress will be incremental. 'This won't be a one-meeting fix. It's going to be a long game for both leaders. Modi wants action on extremism; Carney wants trade. They'll have to negotiate those interests delicately.' He also suggests that even if the bilateral dialogue doesn't immediately yield results on extradition or security concerns, just opening consistent communication lines is a win. 'Diplomacy is momentum. If this meeting goes well, it builds trust. And from trust comes progress.' As Prime Minister Modi engages with world leaders at the G7, his interactions with Canada could mark a turning point in a relationship that has long teetered between cooperation and confrontation. Josh Udall sums it up best: 'This is a pivotal moment. Both sides need something -- India wants a crackdown on extremism; Canada wants new trade partners. If they can meet halfway, it'll be a major win for both democracies.' Whether this G7 meeting becomes a footnote or a foundation stone remains to be seen. But one thing is clear -- after years of tension, India and Canada finally have an opportunity to rebuild. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
"Modi at G7 a chance to reset India-Canada ties amid Khalistan tensions": Canadian podcaster Josh Udall
Ontario [Canada], June 11 (ANI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, from June 15 to 17, his presence signifies more than just India's growing global influence -- it presents an opportunity to reset and redefine bilateral relations between India and Canada, says Canadian political commentator and podcaster Josh Udall. Udall, who applies his expertise in behavioural research and political analysis to Canadian public discourse, sees this moment as pivotal -- not just for economic diplomacy, but also for confronting longstanding irritants in the relationship, especially the issue of Khalistani extremism. In an exclusive interview, Udall dissected the complexities and political undercurrents shaping the evolving dynamic between Ottawa and New Delhi. According to Udall, Prime Minister Modi's visit to the G7 -- where he's likely to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- offers Canada a critical opening to move past the chill that marked Indo-Canadian relations under Justin Trudeau. 'Mark Carney is the economic guy. He's the one you call in a crisis,' Udall noted, pointing out that Carney's chief interest is revitalising Canada's economic relationships, particularly beyond the shadow of the United States. India is now the world's fourth-largest economy. It only makes sense to pursue a strong trade partnership with them,' he said. Udall emphasised that Carney's push for economic ties is not rooted in any deep understanding of the Indo-Canadian political baggage, especially the divisive Khalistan issue. 'There's very little political will in Canada to address the Khalistani extremism that India is concerned about,' he said, underscoring the wide gap between Canadian public perception and Indian security priorities. Udall was candid about the domestic ignorance surrounding the Khalistan issue in Canada. 'Most Canadians have no idea,' he said. 'They've heard snippets on CBC or CTV, maybe remember something about Trudeau accusing India of killing a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, but they don't understand the long and complicated history.' He added that Khalistani narratives dominate Canadian media, with little to no Hindu or Indian nationalist representation providing a counterbalance. 'It's mostly Khalistani voices getting airtime,' he observed. 'That dangerously shapes public perception.' The result, according to Udall, is a skewed understanding of India as an interfering foreign power. 'To Canadians, India is starting to feel like the new Russia -- accused of meddling in elections and domestic politics,' he said. This, he argues, makes it nearly impossible to garner domestic support for India's long-pending demand to extradite 26 fugitives linked to extremist activities. Given this context, Udall believes that the burden of advocacy rests squarely on Prime Minister Modi. 'If Modi wants movement on the Khalistan issue or extradition demands, he's going to have to tie those to economic incentives. That's the only language that might move Carney,' he said. Udall was clear-eyed about the challenge. 'Carney doesn't know the history, and he won't prioritise it unless it's linked to something he values -- namely, trade. Modi has to make that case clearly and strategically.' The situation is further complicated by Canada's domestic political landscape. 'Carney will see the protests from Sikh groups against Modi's visit, and he will dismiss them. That's his style. But unless there is pressure from voters or political consequences, don't expect him to act on India's security concerns.' One of the most significant shifts, Udall points out, is the political transition from Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh to Mark Carney's administration. He believes this creates a rare moment for recalibration. 'Trudeau's stance toward India was heavily influenced by domestic alliances, particularly with the NDP and Jagmeet Singh,' he said. 'There were alleged associations between Singh and pro-Khalistan groups, and that coloured Trudeau's approach to India.' Now, with both Trudeau and Singh out of the picture, Udall sees a clean slate. 'Carney's gesture of inviting Modi is a sign: let's forget the past and focus on mutual benefit,' he said. 'It's a soft restart -- an olive branch.' For Udall, the G7 Summit marks a watershed moment. 'What happens at this meeting will dictate the course of India-Canada relations,' he asserted. 'If Modi and Carney strike the right tone, it could initiate a slow but steady thaw.' However, Udall warns that any progress will be incremental. 'This won't be a one-meeting fix. It's going to be a long game for both leaders. Modi wants action on extremism; Carney wants trade. They'll have to negotiate those interests delicately.' He also suggests that even if the bilateral dialogue doesn't immediately yield results on extradition or security concerns, just opening consistent communication lines is a win. 'Diplomacy is momentum. If this meeting goes well, it builds trust. And from trust comes progress.' As Prime Minister Modi engages with world leaders at the G7, his interactions with Canada could mark a turning point in a relationship that has long teetered between cooperation and confrontation. Josh Udall sums it up best: 'This is a pivotal moment. Both sides need something -- India wants a crackdown on extremism; Canada wants new trade partners. If they can meet halfway, it'll be a major win for both democracies.' Whether this G7 meeting becomes a footnote or a foundation stone remains to be seen. But one thing is clear -- after years of tension, India and Canada finally have an opportunity to rebuild. (ANI)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Modi's G7 presence may open door to thaw with Canada: Canadian commentator
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, from June 15 to 17, his presence signifies more than just India's growing global influence -- it presents an opportunity to reset and redefine bilateral relations between India and Canada, says Canadian political commentator and podcaster Josh Udall. Udall, who applies his expertise in behavioural research and political analysis to Canadian public discourse, sees this moment as pivotal -- not just for economic diplomacy, but also for confronting longstanding irritants in the relationship, especially the issue of Khalistextremism. In an exclusive interview, Udall dissected the complexities and political undercurrents shaping the evolving dynamic between Ottawa and New Delhi. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo According to Udall, Prime Minister Modi's visit to the G7 -- where he's likely to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- offers Canada a critical opening to move past the chill that marked Indo-Canadian relations under Justin Trudeau . "Mark Carney is the economic guy. He's the one you call in a crisis," Udall noted, pointing out that Carney's chief interest is revitalising Canada's economic relationships, particularly beyond the shadow of the United States. India is now the world's fourth-largest economy. It only makes sense to pursue a strong trade partnership with them," he said. Live Events Udall emphasised that Carney's push for economic ties is not rooted in any deep understanding of the Indo-Canadian political baggage, especially the divisive Khalistan issue . "There's very little political will in Canada to address the Khalistani extremism that India is concerned about," he said, underscoring the wide gap between Canadian public perception and Indian security priorities. Udall was candid about the domestic ignorance surrounding the Khalistan issue in Canada. "Most Canadians have no idea," he said. "They've heard snippets on CBC or CTV, maybe remember something about Trudeau accusing India of killing a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, but they don't understand the long and complicated history." He added that Khalistani narratives dominate Canadian media, with little to no Hindu or Indian nationalist representation providing a counterbalance. "It's mostly Khalistani voices getting airtime," he observed. "That dangerously shapes public perception." The result, according to Udall, is a skewed understanding of India as an interfering foreign power. "To Canadians, India is starting to feel like the new Russia -- accused of meddling in elections and domestic politics," he said. This, he argues, makes it nearly impossible to garner domestic support for India's long-pending demand to extradite 26 fugitives linked to extremist activities. Given this context, Udall believes that the burden of advocacy rests squarely on Prime Minister Modi. "If Modi wants movement on the Khalistan issue or extradition demands, he's going to have to tie those to economic incentives. That's the only language that might move Carney," he said. Udall was clear-eyed about the challenge. "Carney doesn't know the history, and he won't prioritise it unless it's linked to something he values -- namely, trade. Modi has to make that case clearly and strategically." The situation is further complicated by Canada's domestic political landscape. "Carney will see the protests from Sikh groups against Modi's visit, and he will dismiss them. That's his style. But unless there is pressure from voters or political consequences, don't expect him to act on India's security concerns." One of the most significant shifts, Udall points out, is the political transition from Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh to Mark Carney's administration. He believes this creates a rare moment for recalibration. "Trudeau's stance toward India was heavily influenced by domestic alliances, particularly with the NDP and Jagmeet Singh," he said. "There were alleged associations between Singh and pro-Khalistan groups, and that coloured Trudeau's approach to India." Now, with both Trudeau and Singh out of the picture, Udall sees a clean slate. "Carney's gesture of inviting Modi is a sign: let's forget the past and focus on mutual benefit," he said. "It's a soft restart -- an olive branch." For Udall, the G7 Summit marks a watershed moment. "What happens at this meeting will dictate the course of India-Canada relations ," he asserted. "If Modi and Carney strike the right tone, it could initiate a slow but steady thaw." However, Udall warns that any progress will be incremental. "This won't be a one-meeting fix. It's going to be a long game for both leaders. Modi wants action on extremism; Carney wants trade. They'll have to negotiate those interests delicately." He also suggests that even if the bilateral dialogue doesn't immediately yield results on extradition or security concerns, just opening consistent communication lines is a win. "Diplomacy is momentum. If this meeting goes well, it builds trust. And from trust comes progress." As Prime Minister Modi engages with world leaders at the G7, his interactions with Canada could mark a turning point in a relationship that has long teetered between cooperation and confrontation. Josh Udall sums it up best: "This is a pivotal moment. Both sides need something -- India wants a crackdown on extremism; Canada wants new trade partners. If they can meet halfway, it'll be a major win for both democracies." Whether this G7 meeting becomes a footnote or a foundation stone remains to be seen. But one thing is clear -- after years of tension, India and Canada finally have an opportunity to rebuild.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Worsening climate outlooks raise the stakes for an agreement on the Colorado River
BOULDER, CO — Everyone who's haggling or agonizing over how to split up the drying Colorado River in coming decades is painfully aware that the river's flow has dipped below what previous generations thought would water an ever-growing West. That's now the good news. A leading Colorado River Basin climate scientist told hundreds gathered for a conference about how to stretch, share and save the river that the current warming trajectory will seriously strain their efforts at balancing supply and demand. The world is on track to exceed 3 degrees Celsius of global warming by 2100 — 5 degrees Celsius (or 9 Fahrenheit) over land — according to Colorado State University water and climate researcher Brad Udall. 'That's a world unlike anything we currently know,' Udall said June 5 at a University of Colorado Law School conference examining the river's woes, 'and it's going to challenge us on every front.' On the Colorado River front, warming equals reduced flows as the atmosphere, desiccated soils, thirsty forests and human irrigation demands all take their share to deplete water that could otherwise be stored in the nation's two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. This year's snowmelt runoff outlook, projected to reach just over half of the 30-year average by the time it effectively ends in July, is complicating efforts to reach consensus on interstate cutbacks. Any future reductions in flow will only add to the pain. Climate change is speeding faster than expected, with the likely effect of further tanking the river's bounty until it provides just two-thirds of the water that the negotiators of a century ago thought would support the growing region, according to Udall's worst-case scenario for the end of the century. And that doesn't account for water that the United States must provide to Mexico by treaty. In the language of water managers, it means a river that the interstate negotiators of a century ago asserted could provide 15 million acre-feet to the seven states that use it could instead average just 10 million acre-feet a year. Already, the megadrought that started in 2000 has dropped the average below 13 million. Mexico's share is 1.5 million. (An acre-foot is roughly 321,000 gallons, enough to support several households for a year, though more river water is consumed on farms.) Measuring flows: How much water flows down the Colorado River? The right answer is more important than ever Against today's startling water losses and tomorrow's even more frightening projections, the states are struggling to reach consensus on how to spread the pain among themselves after guidelines for navigating shortages expire next year. The Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada fully developed their half of the 15 million acre-feet that the 1922 Colorado River Compact granted them and have had to cut back. The four states upstream of them now face the prospect of never getting their full half even as the southwestern states ask them to consider cutting back from their existing uses in the driest of years. The Trump administration's Interior Department will likely need to step up as a moderator in a debate that to date has been left largely to the states, said Mike Connor, who led the department's Bureau of Reclamation in the Obama administration. The new administration is showing signs that it may begin to work on bringing the states together, Connor said, and it should help that it still has more than $1 billion in funds from the last administration's infrastructure allocation to help tackle drought. 'The federal government is the key mediator and facilitator,' he said. So far, though, the states at least publicly are far apart. The Upper Basin States of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming have said their cuts come in the form of dry winters that limit what farms and ranches can divert, and that it's up to the Lower Basin to cut more from what it takes out of the big desert reservoirs before they drain below useful levels. The Lower Basin states say they are willing to give up more in future years, but that trying to fill the gap all on their own could lead to unacceptable results such as a dry Central Arizona Project Canal cutting off Phoenix and Tucson. The rift has proved deep enough that most of the lead negotiators who normally appear together for panel discussions at this and similar annual conferences did not even show up. Preparing for a fight: Hobbs says Arizona will defend its Colorado River water, wants other states to accept cuts Conference attendees — the experts and advocates who work to protect the river and its various uses — must help give political cover to those negotiators who are responsible for protecting their own states' interests, said Anne Castle, a former Interior Department official and Upper Basin Commission chair who is now a fellow at the University of Colorado Law School. Their jobs are difficult, she said, and experts could help by making clear to their constituents that there's not enough water to go around, and all must use less of it. 'Some of what we thought were our legal entitlements and what we had expectations about using in the future … have to be moderated,' Castle said. Other speakers detailed how cities have adapted by growing while using less water, and how some, such as Phoenix, are able to essentially save water by growing because homes will use less water than the farms that they displace. But others pointed to a challenging future in which farms will likely have to cut back further to keep supplies flowing to cities. In all, according to water researcher Brian Richter of the global scarcity solutions organization Sustainable Waters, current rates of reservoir and groundwater drawdowns suggest that 15% of current use within the Colorado River Basin is unsustainable and will have to go. And that's at today's average rate of flow. If warming and drought continue to shrink the river, more cutbacks will be needed just to balance the annual supply, let alone the roughly two-thirds of storage capacity now unfilled in Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Want more stories about water? Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's free weekly environment newsletter To Udall, the water and climate researcher, the new 'anti-knowledge' Trump administration seems bent on worsening the problem by eliminating the science that the states and federal dam managers rely on to make informed decisions. The administration is crippling agencies that are critical to climate adaptation by 'going after anything and everything that has the word climate in it,' he said. 'It's insanity, what they're doing,' Udall said, especially given that warming is accelerating. 'There is no way this makes for a better world in which we live, a better world in which the Colorado River flows.' A Trump administration official, Acting Assistant Interior Secretary for Water and Science Scott Cameron, was scheduled to appear on the conference's second day, June 6. Brandon Loomis covers environmental and climate issues for The Arizona Republic and Reach him at Environmental coverage on and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: A warming, drying Colorado River increasingly vexes water negotiators
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
World War Two memorial vandalised for third time
A World War Two war memorial in Worcester may never return to its home, after being vandalised for a third time. The Meco Memorial Sculpture in St John's remembers the victims of the only fatal German attack on the city. The Meco works were targeted in a bombing raid in 1940, killing seven workers. The leaf-shaped sculpture has been removed for repair after being pulled down, but councillor Richard Udall is no longer confident that it would be safe to return to its original place. "It makes me feel extremely angry and very frustrated. And I know from speaking to some of the relatives of the of the victims, they feel very hurt," he said. Mr Udall added: "It is shocking that a war memorial, which commemorated those who gave their lives fighting fascism in the second world war on the home front, has been vandalized in such a disrespectful way." The sculpture was unveiled in 2023 but was removed from Sanctuary Park in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, leaving an empty space surrounded by benches. "There was no information about the bombing whatsoever but Worcester people knew about it, they knew people who had died or had been injured in the bombing. "So it was very significant in Worcester, and especially in St John's," he said. Mr Udall said he hoped those responsible "didn't know". "The only other and much less charitable explanation is they do know and don't care but I would hope that's not the case." A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: "The sculpture has been temporarily moved while the damage is assessed. We are assessing future options for the placement of the sculpture." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. War memorial for pottery workers to be replaced 'Proud day' as veteran's new memorial unveiled Worcester City Council
