IN the realm of international relations, India and Canada have forged a robust partnership built on a foundation of shared values such as democracy, pluralism, and expanding economic engagement. The bond is further strengthened by regular high-level interactions and long-standing people-to-people ties.
Largest diaspora
One of the most significant features of the bilateral relations is Indian diaspora. The Indian diaspora in Canada is one of the largest in the world, comprising approximately 1.6 million People of Indian Origin (PIOs) and an additional 700,000 NonResident Indians (NRIs). This vibrant community accounts for more than 4 per cent of Canada’s total population and has made commendable contributions across various sectors within the country.
Concentrated mainly in areas like Greater Toronto, Greater Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, the Indian diaspora has made a space for itself in politics as well. At present, there are 19 Members of Parliament of Indian origin in the House of Commons, including three ministers in the Cabinet: Anita Anand (Minister of National Defence); Harjit S Sajjan (Minister of International Development); and Kamal Khera (Minister of Seniors).
To keep the momentum going both countries use various dialogue mechanisms such as ministerial-level strategic, trade, and energy dialogues, foreign office consultations, and sector-specific joint working groups (JWGs). These channels ensure ongoing collaboration and engagement between the two nations.
Role of education
Education plays a crucial role in the India-Canada partnership. Over the years India has emerged as the top source of foreign students in Canada, with approximately 230,000 Indian students pursuing their studies there. There are around 300 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between higher education institutions in India and Canada, promoting academic cooperation and exchange.
On the legal cooperation front, India and Canada signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in 1994, which became operationalised in 1998. Additionally, an Extradition Treaty was established in 1987.
Counter-terrorism
The Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, formed in 1997, has played a significant role in addressing counter-terrorism issues. Notably, on February 14, 2018, the National Security Advisor of India and the National Security and Intelligence Advisor of Canada signed the Framework for Cooperation between India and Canada on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, further enhancing security cooperation.
Bilateral trade
Trade and investment serve as vital pillars of the India-Canada relationship. Bilateral trade in goods reached $7.11 billion in 2021, with India’s exports totalling $4.76 billion and imports from Canada amounting to USD 2.35 billion.
The trade between the two nations is dominated in the services sector, bilateral trade in 2019 amounted to $3.10 billion, which increased to $5.49 billion in 2020. From April to August 2022-23, India’s exports to Canada were valued at US$ 1.90 billion, while imports from Canada stood at US$ 1.70 billion. Overall, the total bilateral trade in goods between India and Canada for the same period amounted to $3.6 billion.
The major items of India’s exports to Canada include gems, jewellery, and precious stones, pharmaceutical products, ready-made garments, mechanical appliances, organic chemicals, light engineering goods, and iron and steel articles. Conversely, India imports items like pulses, newsprint, wood pulp, asbestos, potash, iron scrap, copper, minerals, and industrial chemicals from Canada.
