Canadian Army Chief to visit Delhi for Indo-Pacific meet despite diplomatic spat: ADG Rai

In the midst of a diplomatic spat between India and Canada, Major General Abhinaya Rai, Additional Director General (Strategic Planning), confirmed that the Canadian Army Chief along with his delegation will be visiting New Delhi for the Army Chief’s conference, reaffirming the Indian Armed Forces' commitment to ‘promote peace and stability’ in the Indo-Pacific region on September 20.

The affirmation comes as India is gearing up to host the three-day Indo-Pacific Armies Chief Conference (IPACC) along with the United States from September 25 to 27, 2023.The conference is themed on 'Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace & Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region'. IPACC will gather Army chiefs from various ranks to engage in discussions concerning shared security interests in the said region. The Canadian army chief, even after Trudeau’s ‘absurd’ allegations, are slated to attend the event.

It does not impact us: Major Gen Rai 

Commenting on the Canadian chief's visit, Major General Rai emphasised, "It doesn't impact us (the Indian Army). The Canadian chief is coming here. His delegation is coming here. "Reflecting on India's persisting multi-faceted diplomatic approach, Rai used China as an example to showcase the same, stating, "When we look at the relationship with some neighbours of ours, where we may have had a standoff but we continue to engage them at all levels." Rai added,"Our diplomatic efforts as well as the military efforts with Canada continue to be there.”

Military collaboration between India and Canada

As per available data, India and Canada have been engaging in multilateral joint exercises. One of the recent major drills was held in Guam, exercise Sea Dragon, on March 29, 2023. The exercise focused on anti-submarine warfare drills and saw participation from Quad nations in addition to Canada. Other than the high-level visits between Indian and Canadian defence officials, according to the Consulate General of India in Toronto, there was a bilateral arms trade of over $122 million in the fiscal year of 2020. India's exports were a little above seven million, while its imports stood around $115 million.

The Nijjar row and the following diplomatic fallout

The rift between India and Canada escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation implicating the Indian government in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a wanted Khalistani terrorist. Trudeau's allegations, which the Indian foreign ministry deemed as ‘absurd and motivated,’ led to a diplomatic fallout, resulting in the expulsion of a top-level Indian diplomat, followed by a tit-for-tat move from India.

Nijjar, the former chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), had a history of involvement in violent activities and ties to the banned separatist organisation, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). His death in Surrey, Canada, sparked controversy.

The Ministry of External Affairs, in its official reply, stated that India is committed to the rule of law and denies any involvement in acts of violence in Canada. The Indian government also expressed concern over Canada's perceived inaction against Khalistani terrorists and extremists finding refuge within its borders, urging decisive legal action against those threatening India's sovereignty.

The Indo-Pacific together for peace conference

The 'Together for Peace' conference is of paramount importance in a region that holds significant global influence, accounting for a large portion of the world's population and economic activity. The Indo-Pacific is the 'world’s centre of gravity,' accounting for 65 per cent of the global population and 63 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

In an official statement, the Indian Army added, “The region dominates 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade,” and has coastlines with vast rare earth metals resources. Additionally, seven of the world’s largest armies reside within this region and have collaborated with each other on numerous occasions, from joint exercises to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADF).