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Indian Diplomatic Triumph

4 minutes read

Indian Diplomatic Triumph

4 minutes read

In a recent podcast on NHS Media, Dr Qamar Cheema discussed the recent withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats from India, labelling a significant diplomatic victory for India. He highlighted the multifaceted reasons behind Canada’s diplomatic withdrawal and examined the broader implications of this development within the context of international relations.

  • Canada’s decision to withdraw 41 diplomats from India is seen as a significant diplomatic success for India.
  • Canada’s decision not to take retaliatory actions following the diplomatic setback is a significant aspect of India’s diplomatic victory in this situation.
  • The distinction between diplomacy and other forms of engagement is important and there is a need for a diplomatic, persuasive approach rather than aggressive tactics.
  • The role of China and India’s growing global relevance is significant, India’s economic and strategic importance, as well as the influence of Indian lobbying in international relations, is shaping its future.

Dr. Cheema highlights the harsh realities of international politics, emphasizing the transience of alliances and the permanence of national interests. In this scenario, Canada’s long-standing support for India was outweighed by India’s strategic importance as a customer for Chinese goods. This illustrates the concept that economic interests often overshadow political allegiances.

The Foreign Minister of Canada, Mélanie Joly, has declared that Canada will not undertake retaliatory actions in response to this diplomatic setback. This decision is indicative of the diplomatic victory that India has achieved, as Canada refrains from escalating the situation.

Dr. Cheema underscores the essence of diplomacy, which differs significantly from sportsmanship. Diplomacy is the art of persuading other states to alter their positions through diplomatic means, rather than through aggressive or offensive tactics. A crucial factor contributing to Canada’s diplomatic setback was the misjudgment that India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was focused on an impending election and, thus, unwilling to take actions that might undermine his political position.

India’s diplomatic approach has evolved over time. While in the past, India maintained normal relations with Canada, it now understands how to strategically engage with countries. This strategic shift is supported by India’s influential media, which often aligns with the government’s stance, making it a powerful tool in shaping public opinion and foreign policy.

The Modi government’s perception of Canada is viewed through the lens of its domestic politics. The diplomats expelled from India now face significant personal risks. Notably, there are more Indian diplomats in the United States than American diplomats in India, and yet, the issue of parity is not discussed in this context.

Dr. Cheema asserts that Canada received little support from other Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. This lack of international backing underscores the self-interest of nations and their ability to maintain relations without being overly influenced by the actions of other states.

The first diplomatic rupture among Western nations can be attributed more to China’s influence than India’s. While China’s importance on the global stage has amplified India’s relevance, the support of the United States for India against China is a testament to India’s economic and strategic importance. The Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States has largely overlooked Europe in favor of building alliances with India, a shift that has been facilitated by a robust Indian lobby.

He stressed that the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats has practical implications for Indian citizens in Canada. The closure of consulates may leave Sikh and other Indian populations vulnerable, especially in terms of handling essential services such as visas for students aspiring to study in Canada. This development may necessitate changes in visa operations for Indian applicants.

The diplomatic tussle between India and Canada is expected to have long-term repercussions. Despite Canada’s liberal society and government, the support that Indian Prime Minister Modi has garnered domestically complicates the situation. The disturbance experienced by Indian citizens in Canada as a result of this diplomatic rift underscores the urgency of resolving the issues between the two countries.

The withdrawal of Canadian diplomats from India marks a notable diplomatic episode with complex underpinnings. It serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in international relations and the imperative of aligning national interests with foreign policy decisions. The consequences of this diplomatic tussle, particularly for Indian citizens and students, emphasize the need for a swift resolution between India and Canada.

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