Defence minister mum on whether India tensions will impact Indo-Pacific strategy

globalnews.ca:

Canada’s defence minister isn’t saying whether the federal government’s Indo-Pacific strategy could be reassessed in light of heightened tensions with India over allegations that Indian government agents may be linked to the murder of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil.

The allegations raised publicly by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week have sparked a diplomatic row with India, which is considered a critical strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific for Western countries like Canada who are seeking to counter China’s rise.

Canada had been seeking deeper trade, defence and immigration ties with India before the “credible intelligence,” as Trudeau called it, was first raised with Canadian officials.

Yet Defence Minister Bill Blair, speaking to Mercedes Stephenson in an interview that aired Sunday on The West Block, suggested Canada will continue to pursue those partnerships while the investigation into allegations continues, calling the relationship with India “important.”

“We understand that this can be, and has proven to be, a challenging issue with respect to our relationship with India,” he said.

“But at the same time, we have a responsibility to defend the law, defend our citizens, and at the same time make sure that we conduct a thorough investigation and get to the truth.”

If the allegations are proven true, Blair said “there is a very significant concern that Canada will have with respect to the violation of our sovereignty in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”

Blair said the Indo-Pacific strategy was still an critical one for Canada, and has led to an increased military presence in the region and commitments for further patrol capabilities.

The strategy commits $492.9 million over five years