New Delhi – The India-Canada row over alleged involvement in the June killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, has garnered international attention. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau levels accusations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and their intelligentsia, Japan Times has put forth a compelling argument.
In an opinion piece, Japan Times advocates for Canada to undertake a ‘foreign policy reset,’ shedding its ‘middle-power approach’ in favor of a more robust ‘Indo-Pacific diplomacy.’ As diplomatic relations between Ottawa and New Delhi face increasing strain, the need for a recalibration of Canada’s foreign policy stance becomes evident.
The Japan Times report adopts an empirical approach, highlighting that this is not the first time Canada’s actions have led to deteriorating relations with an Asian nation. The paper references the strained relations between Canada and China, which escalated following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in December 2018 at the request of the United States. Subsequently, Beijing detained businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig on espionage charges.
Furthermore, the report notes that Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia has strained relations with Moscow. The repercussions of these diplomatic clashes extend beyond mere diplomatic discomfort.
A significant concern for Canada lies in the potential return of Donald Trump and his ‘America First’ policies in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The Japan Times raises the alarm that a Trump victory could result in a misalignment of Canada’s goals with its most critical economic, security, and political partner. Such a scenario could alienate the second-largest global economy and jeopardize Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategic engagement.
The Japan Times recommends a shift towards a “realistic, pragmatic, and interest-based approach” for Canada in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage. The era of middle-power diplomacy, rooted in idealism, must make way for a more pragmatic engagement strategy.
Canada, the report contends, should fortify its partnerships with dependable allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore. This approach aims to prevent past mistakes and position Canada as an effective and reliable partner in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The central question that emerges from this analysis is whether Canada will forsake its value-driven middle-power approach, which has posed challenges to sustainable diplomacy, in favor of a more pragmatic and interest-oriented stance befitting its global standing.
In a world marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics, Canada stands at a crossroads, faced with critical decisions that will shape its diplomatic trajectory in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. As the India-Canada row simmers, the need for thoughtful foreign policy recalibration becomes ever more pressing.
