Can occasional setbacks be viewed as major barriers in India-Canada relations during PM Modi's visit?

Alberta, June 15 (NationPress) The Indian community in Canada is filled with enthusiasm and hope as they await Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming visit, signaling a notable improvement in relations that have faced challenges over the past year.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an invitation to PM Modi to participate in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

Devesh Oberoi, the President of the Indian Society of Calgary, praised the invitation, viewing it as a potential turning point in revitalizing India-Canada ties.

"This is a very encouraging development. India and Canada have enjoyed strong relations for the past 50 years. Although recent times have seen some fluctuations, the invitation to PM Modi for the G7 summit—an event he has consistently attended—indicates that the relationship remains vital and significant," he remarked.

Oberoi also highlighted the broader context of bilateral relations, stating, "In Canada, we have a robust Indian community of 1.3 million... Our collective desire is for the partnership between India and Canada to stay robust, a bond that has lasted over the past 50-60 years."

"Despite occasional ups and downs, we assess it from a political lens—governments have distinct ideologies that can sometimes create friction in international relations. Yet, this is a common occurrence globally. No nation is flawless. We do not consider these sporadic setbacks as significant barriers or challenges to the India-Canada relationship," he added.

Reflecting on PM Modi's governance, Oberoi stated, "The leadership has been remarkably strong over the last decade. PM Modi has been elected three times and is a democratically chosen Prime Minister. At one point, he commanded a substantial majority. India has acquired a leader who operates like a CEO for the Indian economy, adhering to the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Today, India enjoys a prominent global reputation, especially as the world's fourth-largest economy. India can contribute significantly to the world and offer solutions to various global challenges across multiple sectors."

Echoing similar views, Raj Verma, President of the Hindu Society of Calgary, called the visit "a very positive development", stressing that stronger connections would yield benefits for both nations economically and personally.

"India is currently the fourth global superpower, and fostering ties is advantageous for both nations. Enhanced relations will benefit us all economically and personally. PM Modi is an exceptional leader propelling India forward, and this progress fills us all with pride," he conveyed to IANS.

On the 11-year tenure of the BJP-led NDA government at the center, Verma added, "PM Modi is doing an excellent job. He has positioned India as the fourth-largest economy in the world, and if these improved relations are a result, it's a commendable initiative."

Acharya Dhansh Shukla, a member of the Hindu Society of Calgary, also welcomed the development. He appreciated the Canadian Prime Minister's gesture of inviting PM Modi and viewed it as a positive sign of goodwill.

"The newly appointed Prime Minister here is exceptionally wise, intelligent, and a renowned economist. He has been specially invited for this role. Such a Prime Minister has always had an affection for India. Our PM Modi advocates 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah', and he is achieving great things for the country. Similarly, Canada's new Prime Minister is also doing remarkable work. His invitation to India for the G7 summit is a very promising step, and we are pleased that he is willing to visit. This is a beneficial development for both countries," he conveyed to IANS.

"We have been elated ever since we learned that our esteemed Prime Minister Modi is coming to Canada. Both nations are remarkable, and their collaboration will be mutually beneficial. Economic cooperation will be solidified, and the shared affection will guarantee smooth relations without any issues. We express our gratitude for this. It's a positive development, and any concerns or misunderstandings should be addressed through open dialogue between both Prime Ministers to restore relations to their former warmth," Shukla emphasized.

He also commented on the diplomatic freeze of the previous year, saying, "It felt deeply unsettling when tensions arose because neither Canadians nor Indians harbor animosity towards each other. Numerous Indians live, work, and study here, and relations have historically been positive. Some elements may attempt to exploit such situations, but they should not be permitted to. I urge both Prime Ministers of Canada and India to advance with mutual respect, affection, and harmony."

On PM Modi's tenure, Shukla noted, "There is no doubt that since Modi assumed office, India has been advancing in every aspect. He is moving forward with inclusive policies. While there are always dissenting elements, the majority of us greatly admire and support the Prime Minister."

In a recent briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Our Prime Minister received a call from the Canadian Prime Minister last week. During this conversation, Prime Minister Carney invited the Prime Minister to attend the G7. The invitation has been accepted. It was also a moment for both Prime Ministers to reflect on India-Canada relations and how to advance them. India and Canada are vibrant democracies bound by shared democratic values and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and dynamic people-to-people ties."

He mentioned that the upcoming meeting between PM Modi and PM Carney at the G7 Summit will offer a vital opportunity for the two leaders to share insights on both bilateral and global matters. It will also help explore "pathways to reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other's concerns."

India-Canada relations reached a low point in 2023 following Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, making unsubstantiated allegations against New Delhi.

In response, India accused Canada of harboring extremist elements and failing to act against attacks on Indian diplomats. With the forthcoming summit and PM Modi's visit, both parties now seem prepared to move past the past and initiate a new phase of collaboration.