International Relations

C09(b) - India in Global Context

Date: Jun 13 | Time: 08:30am to 10:00am | Location: Zoom (see details/voir détails)

Chair/Président/Présidente : Saira Bano (Thompson Rivers University)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Saira Bano (Thompson Rivers University)

Zoom Meeting Link | Meeting ID : 616 4737 8380 | Password: 403534

Transnational Repression: India-Canada Relations and the Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Aidan Kerr (University of Toronto), Nikhil Goyal (University of Toronto)
Abstract: The recent assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar raises questions on transnational repression and the forces influencing such an action. Transnational repression takes a peculiar dimension for India-Canada relations, considering their long-standing partnership, migration flow, and peaceful bilateral ties. Transnational repression in academic literature is particularly understood through lenses of authoritarianism, dissent, and migration, marking a dearth of scholarship from the standpoint of international relations and reputation, especially in non-authoritarian contexts. We ask the critical question: why do nations engage in transnational repression despite the seismic diplomatic repercussions and global fallout it causes? Through this essay, we explore the international and reputational dimensions of transnational repression and the underlying forces that drive this behaviour. As authoritarianism and dissident control explain little about transnational repression, we argue that the allegations and politics of transnational repression are firmly grounded in considerations of reputation costs and international bargaining. India's growing geopolitical influence and Canada's historical adherence to peaceful and rule-based governance render this case particularly compelling, underscoring the significant costs associated with such actions and allegations.

SOUTH Asian Diaspora in Canada: Examining Political Behavior Through the Lens of Indian Sikhs and Bangladeshi Muslims in CANADA: Soham Das (O.P. Jindal Global University), Sreeradha Datta (O.P. Jindal Global University), Sanlap Acharya (O.P. Jindal Global University)
Abstract: The immigration policies of Canada since 2015 have made the country a favorable destination for economic immigrants across the world to come and settle. Additionally, its refugee protection programs also offer humanitarian resettlement opportunities to persecuted people across the world. Diasporas have often played prominent roles in upholding ethnonational identities and movements. This research explores the factors that help to explain this phenomenon through the sentiment analysis of social media engagements of members of the Indian-Sikh and Bangladeshi-Muslim diasporas in Canada. On the other hand, while the Indo-Canadian economic ties have been strengthened in the recent past and Canada is the 17th largest foreign investor in India with an investment of $ 3,642 Million, the political difference regarding Sikh nationalism and separatism has created tension between the two bilateral partners. Similarly, while there have been few strategic visits between Bangladesh and Canada in the past few years and the bilateral trade of over 2 billion is likely to grow further, Bangladesh has also raised the issue of Canada refusing to extradite an assassin of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These factors have deep implications in the Canadian electoral and domestic politics along with larger ethno nationalist sentiments in South Asia. This research reflects upon these perspectives during the temporal domain of 2015-2023 and studies the sentiments of Indian origin Sikh and Bangladeshi origin Muslim populace of Canada on social media platforms, using artificial intelligence-machine learning techniques. The research further compares these sentiments with non-Sikh Indians and Hindu Bangladeshis based in Canada.

Navigating the Indo-Pacific: An In-depth Analysis of US-India Relations: Vandana Bhatia (Sheridan College)
Abstract: In recent years, the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a critical theater of global geopolitics, characterized by evolving power dynamics, economic opportunities, and security challenges. The United States and India, as two prominent actors in the region, have increasingly recognized the strategic importance of their collaboration. This paper proposal aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted relationship between the United States and India within the context of the Indo-Pacific region. The paper will delve into the historical foundations of US-India relations, tracing the trajectory from the Cold War period to the present day, and how these historical dynamics have influenced their interactions in the Indo-Pacific. It will explore the shared values, interests, and challenges that bind the two nations in this crucial maritime domain, encompassing areas such as regional security, economic cooperation, and the promotion of democratic norms. Moreover, the paper will analyze the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific, taking into account the rising influence of China, maritime disputes, and the need for a rules-based order. It will examine how the United States and India have collaborated on security initiatives, such as the Quad, to address common challenges and promote stability in the region. Through a comprehensive analysis of diplomatic, security, economic, and cultural aspects, this paper aims to offer a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities within US-India relations in the Indo-Pacific. It will shed light on how these two democracies are navigating the changing tides of the Indo-Pacific and contributing to the regional and global order.

India Pakistan Enduring Rivalry: A Realist Constructivist Explanation: Muhammad Arif Khan (Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology, Karachi)
Abstract: In 1947, the decolonization process of south Asia paved for the emergence of India Pakistan as separate nations. Since their inception as nation states they locked their horn into an enduring rivalry. Kashmir remained an unfinished plan and rather a bone of contention between both states. India called Kashmir as its 'integral part', however, Pakistan as its ‘jugular vein’. Throughout history, their relations remained bumpy and have been marred by the elements of trust deficit, bitter memories and enemy formation-identity issues. Evidently, there is a huge power asymmetry between both states in terms of economy, military, landmass and population but still they fought three full fledge and one limited war in Kargil, in 1999. Moreover, the ‘Pokhran I’ paved way for the nuclearization of South Asia and a continuous missile and nuclear arms race between both nations. Their relations are not only affecting them but also the whole South Asia region. This study will address and analyze the following questions; Why India-Pakistan have enduring rivalry? How power politics, identity and bitter memories are affecting the relations of both states? What are the core issues between them?  Why could they not manage their conflict?

The Intractability of India Pakistan Relations and Regional Cooperation in South Asia: Safia Arif Khan (Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology, Karachi)
Abstract: The decolonization process in the subcontinent paved way for the emergence of India and Pakistan. But, the hasty action of colonial power left a bone of contention between both states. Their relations have been hijacked by power politics, trust deficit, identity issues and bitter memories. There were some occasions when both states tried to add a new chapter into their relations, however, on every occasion instead of moving a step ahead they moved back. Their disputes are not only affecting their bilateral relations but also the whole South. In 1985, for achieving regional cooperation SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) charter was signed by the member states. However, the intractability of India Pakistan relations could not let to achieve the fruits of regional cooperation. Factually, SAARC members have less than 5 percent intra-regional trade while having a potential of much more. Importantly, there is dire need for regional cooperation in the era of trans-boundary crises as like of COVID-19, food insecurity, poverty, climate change etc. There are ample rooms for regional cooperation in other areas as well as like of non-traditional security threats, regional connectivity etc. This paper addresses the following questions; what are the factors responsible for the India-Pakistan enduring rivalry? How can both states mend their relations? What are the common areas of interests among South Asian states? How regional cooperation can be achieved in South Asia?