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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 28, 2024

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India withdraws its Canada envoy, expels 6 Canadian diplomats as row over Nijjar murder escalates

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations

Context:

 A sharp escalation of the row between the two countries, India on Monday ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, while also announcing its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns after Ottawa identified them as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Read about:

 What is Five Eyes Alliance?

India and Canada relationship

Key takeawyas:

• Canada is home to one of the largest Indian communities worldwide, with approximately 1.6 million people of Indian origin, which makes up over 3% of the country's total population, along with 700,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). In 2022, India became the leading source of foreign students in Canada, with 230,000 Indian students. India’s total trade with Canada (both goods and services) amounted to $11.68 billion in 2021-22, falling short of potential. Notably, around 30% of India's total pulse imports come from Canada.

• Canadian pension funds have invested about $55 billion in India. Since 2000, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Canada into India stands at $4.07 billion. Despite challenges, such as the suspension of trade negotiations and the ongoing Khalistan issue, these economic ties have persisted.

• According to the 2021 Canadian census, Sikhs comprise 2.1% of Canada’s population and represent the fastest-growing religious group in the country. After India, Canada has the second-largest Sikh population globally. Sikh representation in Canadian politics is significant, with Sikh lawmakers and officials serving at all levels of government. Jagmeet Singh made history in 2017 by becoming the first Sikh leader of a major political party, heading the New Democratic Party (NDP).

• The principle of reciprocity in international law means granting foreigners equal treatment to citizens as regulated by specific intergovernmental agreements. It allows for the mutual application of legal measures when these are equally accepted by the involved nations, promoting equality and mutual respect in international relations.

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently received a diplomatic note from Canada suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats are "persons of interest" in an investigation. India rejected these claims, attributing them to the Trudeau government’s domestic political agenda.

• Although the MEA statement didn’t mention Nijjar by name, it alluded to allegations made by Trudeau in September 2023, accusing India of potential involvement in the death of the Khalistani separatist in June 2023. India dismissed these accusations as unfounded, and diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated since then.

• India further accused the Trudeau government of fostering an environment in which violent extremists and terrorists intimidate Indian diplomats and leaders in Canada. It also noted that some individuals who entered Canada illegally have been expedited for citizenship, and multiple Indian extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime leaders have been ignored.

• The MEA pointed to past instances of Trudeau’s "hostility" towards India, citing his 2018 visit that was criticized for pandering to a particular vote bank, and the inclusion of individuals with extremist views in his cabinet. Trudeau’s 2020 support for farmers protesting in India also strained relations.

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