NHS Media held an interview with Dr. Aditi Malhotra, the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Army Journal with an extensive experience in the field of intelligence, propaganda, and security studies and also worked as a co-editor of a journal in Australia and Austria. The focus of conversation was on Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Points:
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy brings unique perspectives to the region. It focuses on addressing the “China Challenge” while also recognizing the economic opportunities in the Indo-Pacific.
- India plays a significant role in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy as a strategic partner. The strategy aims to engage with India in various dimensions, including strategic engagement, people-to-people ties, market access, and investment opportunities.
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy places importance on supply chain resilience and non-traditional security challenges. India’s vast labor force is seen as having potential in these areas, although there are challenges to fully leveraging these opportunities.
- Despite challenges in relations with China and India, Canada is committed to active engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The strategy reflects Canada’s recognition of the need to remain relevant in a shifting international order and its long-term commitment to partnerships in the region.
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a crucial focal point in global geopolitics, with major powers vying for influence and shaping the contours of the international order. In this context, Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy has garnered attention, with its potential impact on the region and its relations with India and China. Dr. Aditi Malhotra, stated that Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy has arrived relatively late compared to other Western nations, but it brings some interesting perspectives to the table. Dr. Malhotra highlights two significant dimensions of the strategy. First, it recognizes the “China Challenge.” The document takes a firm stance on China’s economic and strategic interests, its unilateral claims, foreign interference, and coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific. China features prominently throughout the strategy.
On the flip side, the strategy underscores the Indo-Pacific’s economic dynamism and the opportunities it presents for Canada. Beyond merely recognizing challenges, Canada seeks to play a more constructive role in the region, aligning itself with partners to shape a more positive direction.
Dr Aditi was of the view that India figures prominently in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. India is seen as a strategic partner with which Canada aims to engage in various dimensions. These include strategic engagement, people-to-people ties, market access, and investment opportunities. However, it is important to note that India’s military and defense cooperation is not as central to Canada’s strategy. While Canada seeks to expand its engagement with India, particularly in the military domain, this remains a work in progress.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, has gained prominence in the Indo-Pacific. When asked about the possibility of Canada and other countries like the Netherlands and Germany joining such initiatives, Dr. Malhotra suggests that various countries are engaging with the region through diverse formats. While the Quad is essential, it’s not feasible for all nations to fit into a single structure. The focus should be on how these structures function to achieve common goals. India, for its part, prefers to manage its security matters bilaterally but may seek support from partners like the United States or France in significant conflicts with China.
Supply chain resilience and non-traditional security challenges are integral to Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. India, with its vast labor force, is recognized as having significant potential in these areas. However, Dr. Malhotra notes that India has yet to fully leverage these opportunities, partly due to domestic considerations. As global supply chains undergo transformations, India’s role in ensuring resilience will likely become more prominent.
Canada has faced challenges in its relations with both China and India. Dr. Malhotra acknowledges these complexities but emphasizes Canada’s commitment to engaging actively in the Indo-Pacific. The strategy reflects Canada’s recognition of the need to remain relevant in a shifting international order. It’s clear that Canada values its partnerships in the region and sees its strategy as a long-term commitment.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy is a noteworthy development in the evolving landscape of global geopolitics. While it may have arrived later than some other Western strategies, it brings a unique perspective to the table. India’s role in this strategy is significant, with opportunities for greater cooperation and engagement. As the Indo-Pacific region continues to evolve, the dynamics between Canada, India, and other key players will be worth watching closely. Canada’s strategy offers a glimpse into its aspirations and ambitions in this strategically vital region, where global interests converge and shape the future of international relations.