“For some inexplicable reason…” EAM Jaishankar's funny take on India-Canada triggers laughter

Summary

The discussion centers on the evolving dynamics between the US and Canada, highlighting Canada’s struggling economy and historical tensions, particularly the Air India tragedy in the 1980s. It points to a shifting global order where non-Western countries like India and China are gaining influence, creating friction in international relations. The speaker emphasizes discrepancies in diplomatic treatment, noting how Canadian diplomats operate in India versus Indian diplomats in Canada, revealing a perceived double standard. Overall, the dialogue reflects on the broader implications of a multipolar world and the challenges of adjusting to new global realities.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The global geopolitical landscape is shifting, with non-Western nations gaining more influence and redefining international relations.
• 🇨🇦 Canada, despite its strong people-to-people ties with India, is currently facing economic struggles that impact its international standing.
• 🤔 Historical events, like the 1985 Air India tragedy, continue to affect Indo-Canadian relations and contribute to current diplomatic tensions.
• 💼 The relationship between the U.S. and Canada is increasingly viewed as interconnected, requiring attention from international stakeholders.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Recent diplomatic tensions stem from Canada's inquiry into India's High Commissioner, leading to India's withdrawal of its diplomats.
• ⚖️ There is a perceived double standard in diplomatic protocols, where Canadian diplomats can operate freely in India, unlike Indian diplomats in Canada.
• 🗣️ Freedom of speech is interpreted differently in Canada and India, creating friction in how diplomatic interactions are managed.
• 📈 The discussion emphasizes a broader Western issue of adjusting to a multipolar world where many countries, including India and China, assert their viewpoints.
• 🔍 Canadian political dynamics reflect a larger struggle to adapt to changing global power structures, impacting international relationships.
• ⚠️ Diplomatic adjustments are necessary as historical grievances and current political realities complicate international relations.

Q & A

What is the current situation regarding the relationship between the US and Canada?

The discussion highlights a shift in perception, where both the US and Canada are now viewed as main players in the western part of the world, indicating a more balanced geopolitical landscape.

What historical event is referenced as influencing Canada-India relations?

The blowing up of an Indian Air India plane in the 1980s is mentioned as a significant historical incident that has had lingering effects on relations between Canada and India.

How is the concept of 'multipolarity' described in the context of global relations?

Multipolarity refers to the changing dynamics where many non-western countries, such as India and China, are gaining greater influence and roles in global affairs, altering the previously Western-dominated world order.

What are some specific issues affecting Canada-India relations?

Issues include a perceived imbalance in diplomatic treatment, such as Canada's inquiry into Indian diplomats while allowing its own diplomats to operate freely in India, leading to feelings of double standards.

What is said about freedom of speech in the context of threats against diplomats?

The speaker points out the hypocrisy where threats against Indian diplomats are dismissed as freedom of speech in Canada, while similar comments from Indian journalists are labeled as foreign interference.

How does the speaker view the adjustment to the new geopolitical landscape?

The speaker believes that the adjustments required in light of a changing world order are challenging for countries that have been dominant and are now facing reduced influence.

What role does public perception play in the speaker's analysis?

Public perception is crucial; the speaker emphasizes that many people find it difficult to reconcile the current state of relations with the historical context, especially given past incidents.

What is indicated about the future of international relations?

The speaker suggests that as more countries assert their viewpoints, there will likely be increased contestations and frictions in international relations.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for Canada and India moving forward?

The speaker suggests that there needs to be a recognition and adjustment of the double standards in diplomatic practices and a better understanding of each other's geopolitical realities.

What is the significance of the 'people to people' relationship mentioned?

Despite the current diplomatic tensions, the speaker acknowledges that the people-to-people and business relationships between Canada and India remain strong, indicating potential for future cooperation.