Death and diplomacy: A look at India-Canada tensions with Samir Saran
Oct 28, 2023
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Samir Saran, an expert in international relations and diplomacy, discusses the tensions between India and Canada following the alleged assassination of a Sikh separatist leader. They explore the history of the Khalistan separatist movement in Canada and the strained diplomatic fallout. Saran also touches on India's relationship with China, tensions on the Himalayan border, India's role in the BRICS partnership, and its ambitious renewable energy goals.
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, sparked by the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, have led to a sharp deterioration in relations and potential consequences including cutting of diplomatic ties and economic relationships.
India's evolving role in global geopolitics is characterized by closer partnerships with Western powers, driven by deep-rooted ties and economic collaboration, while also facing challenges in the India-China relationship.
Deep dives
India-Canada Relations: From Assassination Accusations to Deteriorating Ties
The podcast explores the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, sparked by the murder of a secret leader in Vancouver. Prime Minister Trudeau openly accused the Indian government of orchestrating the assassination, which has led to a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nations. The United States finds itself in a difficult position, caught between its ally to the north and the strategic partnership it is fostering with India to counter China. The Indian government accuses Canada of supporting a movement that poses a threat to India's territorial integrity, while Canada denies any involvement. The podcast highlights the potential consequences of this diplomatic dust-up, including the cutting of diplomatic ties and economic relationships, although it is hoped that an off-ramp can be found to de-escalate the situation.
India-China Relations: A Precarious Balancing Act
The podcast examines the delicate state of India-China relations, characterized by tension on the Himalayan borders and a growing trade partnership. While troops from both countries face off in the region, trade between them continues to grow, with China enjoying a significant trade surplus. The Indian government aims to prevent Chinese expansionism on the borders while rebalancing economic ties for a more natural trading relationship. The podcast emphasizes the challenges of maintaining a harsh posture on the borders while sustaining economic cooperation. The lack of significant outreach from China hinders progress, raising concerns about the sustainability of the current situation.
India's Role in Global Geopolitics: Natural Progression or Reaction to China?
The podcast delves into India's evolving role in global geopolitics and its relationship with China. While India demonstrates a growing leadership role and closer ties with the West, it is also facing significant challenges in the India-China relationship. The podcast highlights India's natural progression toward closer partnerships with Western powers, driven by deep-rooted ties and economic collaboration. While China has catalyzed a stronger security partnership between India and the West, particularly in response to Chinese expansionism, the podcast suggests that India's alignment with the West is primarily a result of its own strategic interests rather than a direct reaction to China's actions. It also analyzes India's participation in the BRICS grouping, refuting the notion that it is an anti-Western coalition. Additionally, the podcast discusses India's response to global climate change, its commitment to transitioning to green energy, and the need for increased international climate capital flow to support India's ambitious goals.
The GZERO World Podcast takes a look at an international murder mystery that dominated headlines in September: Canada's allegation that India was involved in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. New Delhi has dismissed the accusation as “absurd” and demanded any evidence be released publicly, which Canada has yet to do. But the diplomatic fallout has been swift: Canada expelled the head of India’s security service in Canada, and New Delhi demanded dozens of Canadian diplomats leave India. Ian Bremmer speaks with Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, a top Indian think tank, to unpack the fallout from the shocking allegations, the history of the Khalistan separatist movement within Canada, and where the two countries go from here, given their strong diasporic and economic links. Saran also discusses the paradoxical nature of India’s relationship with China and tensions on the Himalayan border, India's role in the BRICS partnership as a leader of the Global South, and the feasibility of India's ambitious goal to get 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.