India-Canada Dispute: Expert warns both nations of potential losses
PTI, India's standing as a democratic nation committed to adhering to a rules-based global order could face damage in light of a recent diplomatic dispute. This disagreement flared up between India and Canada when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made accusations of potential Indian involvement in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist, which occurred in British Columbia on June 18.
India has dismissed the accusations as "absurd" and "motivated." In response to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official related to the case, India has reciprocated by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat. Also Read: Billions at stake: India-Canada economic ties have been flourishing; then, Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of murder In a blog posted by the Wilson Institute on Friday, Canada Institute Associate Xavier Delgado said, "Trade will likely be the first major casualty of the fallout, with negotiations for the EPTA (Early Progress Trade Agreement) being put on hold." "Both countries declared that they would pause trade talks with each other earlier this month and Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng has indefinitely postponed a trade mission to New Delhi that had been planned for October," he wrote.
The negotiations were a notable part of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which listed the EPTA as a critical step towards a larger comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) that would bolster trade ties between the two countries, he said. Also Read: India-Canada News Highlights: India desists issuing new visas for Canadians The halted trade negotiations have created tension in a bilateral trade partnership worth $17 billion.
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