Link to article(s): https://www.reuters.com/world/india-canada-diplomatic-thaw-remains-remote-despite-visa-easing-2023-11-06/
Summary: The article goes in to talk about New Delhi granting visas to Canadians. Ottawa claimed that Indian agents could have possibly been involved in the murder of a Canadian Sikh separatist. As the murder investigation continues Modi gets ready for India’s election, and it doesn’t seem as if Ottawa or New Delhi plan on making significant moves toward reconciliation anytime in the near future. The movement of thousands of people who have some sort of Indian heritage is anticipated to be delayed due to theses visa restrictions.
Analysis: Canada and India established diplomatic relationships in the early 1900’s, there relationship is bilateral due to having shared traditions. Canada also has a large population of those with indian heritage. An expanding system of formal discussions allows for both countries to reinforce their close political and cultural ties. In 2022 India ranked Canada as one of their top ten trading partners, as Canada develops new strategies the two having a strong trading relationship would be beneficial. Looking at their relationship now, no applications issued for visas to India from any nationality going from Canada to India will be accepted. The conflict having to do with the killing of the Sikh separatists hurts the relationship and since neither side is making an effort to create a solution their relationship may continue to grow unstable.
Connection to the class: Ottawa’s closest allies are the U.S., Australia, and The UK. They are concerned about the growing divide about visas between both India and Canada. The United States’ endeavours to become allies with India to fight China may be disrupted if the accusations are true. This relates to what we talk about in International relations due to the United States creating ties when it’s beneficial to us. We would only want a solidified connection with India if it helped to take on China. If there is no larger benefit there wouldn’t be a point in creating a good relationship until something better is offered.