​A reboot, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• India and Canada are resetting ties after the 2023 Nijjar killing incident.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited India and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• NSA Ajit Doval visited Ottawa to discuss the Khalistan issue and foreign interference.
• Both countries have appointed High Commissioners and restarted discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• India and Canada agreed to the terms for CEPA, aiming to conclude the trade deal this year.
• A 10-year agreement for Canadian uranium supplies for Indian nuclear reactors was also decided.

Detailed Insights:

• The reset began after the exit of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney's invitation to Narendra Modi to the G-7 outreach in Kananaskis, Canada.
• Donald Trump’s unilateral moves on trade and foreign policy have pushed global players to diversify engagements, fostering the India-Canada partnership.
• Mark Carney’s speech at Davos, advocating for “middle powers” and multilateralism, resonated in India.
• India and Canada have restored ties with China, despite misgivings over China’s trade and supply chain control.
• Partnerships in renewable energy, technology, and innovation will be built, along with establishing a defence dialogue.
• Media reports in Canada indicate an internal tussle within the Canadian government regarding Indian links to the Nijjar case and foreign interference.
• Addressing accusations over extremist groups and transnational repression requires honest conversations and mutual respect.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A trade agreement between two countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs, import quotas, and other trade barriers.
• Khalistan Issue: A separatist movement seeking to create a separate Sikh state in India.
• Multilateralism: The principle of organizing relations between three or more states based on certain principles.