'Working together, combining resources, talent, scale, we think India and Canada can be world beaters', Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Canada and India are actively working to rebuild trust and enhance cooperation following allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
• The current Canadian government, under PM Carney, has adopted a pragmatic approach, focusing on economic ties and security cooperation, including listing the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity.
• Canada, an "energy superpower," is positioning itself as a reliable partner for India in energy, offering diverse sources like oil, natural gas, LPG, nuclear technology, and critical minerals.
• Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are being fast-tracked, with both nations committed to doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
• Both countries are also exploring enhanced defence and maritime security cooperation, including a joint security of information agreement and collaboration in defence manufacturing.

Detailed Insights:

• The relationship experienced a period of "absence of trust" at the official level, which is now being actively rebuilt through high-level meetings and security official engagements.
• Institutional linkages are being strengthened to insulate the bilateral relationship from potential future disruptions caused by individuals or groups with negative agendas.
• Canada aims to export 50 million tonnes of natural gas by 2030 and significantly increase LPG and oil exports, offering India a diversified energy supply.
• India's existing 18 out of 24 nuclear reactors are based on Canadian CANDU reactor technology, indicating a strong foundation for future nuclear energy collaboration, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• The CEPA aims to increase ease of doing business by removing tariffs and demonstrating both countries' openness to trade and investment.
• Canada acknowledges India's concerns regarding political space given to separatist elements, with its intelligence agency now explicitly addressing Khalistan actors and the Air India bombing.
• Defence cooperation includes Canada's significant increase in defence spending, with opportunities for private sector collaboration and joint development of defence products.
• Canada's foreign policy under PM Carney emphasizes pragmatism and diversification, seeking strong relationships with various global powers while protecting its sovereignty.
• Efforts are underway to address issues faced by Indian students in Canada, including housing shortages and concerns about educational quality, with a focus on improving the visa system.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Hardeep Singh Nijjar: A pro-Khalistan separatist leader who was killed in Canada, leading to diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
• Bishnoi gang: An organized crime syndicate that has been listed as a terrorist entity by Canada, addressing India's security concerns.
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A proposed free trade agreement between India and Canada aimed at boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
• CANDU reactors: Canadian-designed heavy-water nuclear reactors, which form the basis of a significant portion of India's nuclear power infrastructure.
• Viksit Bharat: A vision for a developed India by 2047, which Canada sees as a long-range framework for enhanced economic partnership.