Canada’s pause on trade talks with India indicates worsening ties
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New Delhi: In a move reflecting the growing strain in diplomatic relations between Canada and India, Canada has announced the postponement of its upcoming trade mission to India, originally scheduled for October.
The decision comes as talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two nations have been paused, according to a senior Indian government official.
The trade mission, named "Team Canada," was set to include Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng and prominent Canadian business leaders, with plans to visit Mumbai on October 9 for a five-day trip aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
However, the trip has now been put on hold, with Canadian officials offering no specific reason for the delay.
The announcement of the postponement came shortly after the revelation that negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement had been paused. The Indian official disclosed that the pause was due to "certain political developments in Canada" that India had raised objections to.
While it was described as a pause rather than a complete halt, it underscores the current fragility of relations between the two nations.
Tensions between Canada and India reached a new level following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
During the meeting, Modi expressed strong concerns to Trudeau regarding "continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements" within Canada. India accused these elements of promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.
In response to India's accusations, Trudeau's office emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty. Trudeau also reaffirmed Canada's commitment to defending freedom of expression, conscience, and peaceful protest, emphasizing their significance to Canada.
Furthermore, this diplomatic standoff follows Canada's earlier decision to pause the Early Progress Trade Agreement on September 1. This move came just three months after both countries had expressed their intention to seal an initial agreement within the year, aiming to reduce or eliminate customs duties on a wide range of traded goods.