Trudeau's Resignation May Improve India-Canada Relations: Ex-Foreign Minister

Justin Trudeau has done much to antagonise the Indian government, and diplomatic relations between India and Canada are at a historic low point.

Maxime Bernier, former Canadian Foreign Minister and current leader of the People's Party of Canada (PPC), told Sputnik India that things should never have come to this between two long-time allies.

Responsibility for that lies with Trudeau, and his resignation as prime minister will allow a reset in Canada's foreign policy and an improvement in relations between the two countries, he said.

"Through his policy of open doors and mass immigration, Trudeau's Liberal government allowed thousands of Khalistani activists to enter Canada, and ignored the growing problem of Khalistani violent activism," Bernier stressed.

"They did this because they were competing for votes within the Sikh immigrant community against the NDP [New Democratic Party], led by Jagmeet Singh, who, until a few years ago, was himself openly pro-Khalistani, and the Conservative Party, which has had an official policy of pandering to minorities for years," he explained.

Trudeau has tried to score political points with Canada’s domestic audience instead of addressing issues with India, Bernier continued.

He should never have commented on the farmers’ protest in India in 2020, as it wasn’t Canada’s business, the former FM noted.

Trudeau should have worked with the Indian government on their concerns regarding Khalistani terrorists in Canada instead of openly attacking the Indian government and worsening relations, he stressed.

"India is a rising world power with a fast-growing economy, and Canada should ensure that these relations are strengthened for the benefit of both populations, not jeopardised due to mismanagement of the Khalistani issue. Unfortunately, trade, investment, and business relations have been negatively affected by the deterioration of our diplomatic relations with India," the PPC leader underscored.

Trudeau's resignation may not be linked to the Khalistan issue or deteriorating bilateral relations, retired Indian Navy captain Dr Gurpreet S Khurana, former executive director of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), told Sputnik India. Instead, it is a manifestation of his own fallibility as a political leader — and is unfortunate for Canadian politics, he said.

Trudeau's ‘fall from grace’ was anticipated but came sooner than expected, possibly influenced by Donald Trump's election as US president, Khurana suggested.

But "This situation offers an opportunity for India and Canada to reset their relations," the navy veteran argued. "As two major powers, such a reset is vital for both sides amidst the dynamics of contemporary geopolitics, extending beyond India’s interests in terms of the welfare of its citizens living and working in Canada, and even its national security."

"The world is in turmoil with two ongoing major wars and needs two major democracies to see eye-to-eye," he added. "The normalisation of bilateral relations is not irreversible, but it takes two to tango."

Trudeau's departure could make space for a reset in bilateral relations, depending on the policies and diplomatic style of his successor, Neeraj Singh Manhas, a special advisor for South Asia at the Parley Policy Initiative, located in the Republic of Korea, told Sputnik India.

Canada's next leader might bring fresh perspectives and a more conciliatory approach to addressing sensitive issues that have caused friction, he suggested.

"A new leader could signal a shift in Canada’s handling of this sensitive issue," Manhas said. "If the next Prime Minister takes a firm stance against extremist elements within the Canadian diaspora while emphasising mutual respect for sovereignty, it could create an atmosphere conducive to rebuilding trust with India."

"A focus on depoliticising diaspora concerns and addressing India’s long-standing grievances related to perceived support for separatist activities would likely foster goodwill," he added.

But Manhas believes any rapprochement would require reciprocal efforts. India would need to engage constructively and avoid viewing Canada solely through the lens of diaspora politics, he noted.

Shared economic interests, climate cooperation and cultural exchanges could help both nations move past the current impasse, Manhas concluded.

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