India-Canada standoff will hit both sides equally: Michael Kugelman, S Asia Woodrow Wilson Center
In an interview to ET Now, Michael Kugelman, S Asia Woodrow Wilson Center, shares his views on the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic feud. Edited excerpts:
ET Now: What do you believe has gone so wrong between India and Canada? How do you read this situation?
Michael Kugelman: Well, the fact that Justin Trudeau went public with the allegations in the way that he did, I think that is a big reason why relations are where they are.
We know that there have been tensions for quite some time between Canada and India.
But had the Prime Minister of Canada chose to convey his concerns and allegations in a more discreet, quiet fashion instead of essentially broadcasting them to the world, then I do not think that the relationship would be quite as fraught as it is now.
I would also note that Trudeau went to New Delhi for the G20 summit and it was not a very good visit at all. The meeting that he had with Prime Minister Modi was very tense, as I understand it, and I think that really added to the existing tensions that had been in place because of New Delhi's concerns.
In its view, Canada was not addressing its concerns that it has about these Sikh separatists present in Canada.
So I think that the real issue here is how Trudeau chose to go about these allegations. If he had not gone public about it, I do not think things would be nearly as bad as they are now with the relationship.
How do you think it is going to damage India's efforts to be seen, to be perceived as a strong and stable investment destination, especially for those Canadian pension funds that have been investing quite heavily into the Indian growth story?
India has been enjoying a geopolitical high in recent months, coming off its very successful G20 presidency, and of
