How do you think the recent change in leadership of Canada is significant to India? Also make a comparative analysis on the system of governments in India and Canada.
After more than a year-and-a-half of strained diplomatic relations, India and Canada are set to bring bilateral ties “back on track”, starting with the reinstatement of High Commissioners, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the victory of his Liberal Party in the federal elections of Canada.
Recent challenges in India – Canada relationship and the significance of this change in leadership:
- Ties between India and Canada had been hit severely with allegations of the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. India had rejected the allegation as “politically motivated” and “absurd”.
- This tension led to downgrading of ties, withdrawal of diplomats, visa services being impacted, and trade not achieving its potential. Last October, India expelled Canadian diplomats after Indian envoy Sanjay Verma was expelled along with other diplomats by Canada.
- With Trudeau’s exit and the defeat of Jagmeet Singh, who leads the left-leaning New Democratic Party and is viewed by Delhi as a backer of pro-Khalistan separatists in Canada, Delhi is hoping that ties will be handled with “much more maturity” by Carney — unlike Trudeau.
Comparative analysis on the political systems of India and Canada:
Similarities Between the Indian and Canadian Constitutions
1. Federal Structure
- Federal Organization: Both India and Canada follow a federal system of government, meaning power is shared between the central and state/provincial governments. In both nations, residual powers (matters not specified in the Constitution) are centralized under the central government.
- Governor Appointment: In both India and Canada, the Governor (for States in India and Provinces in Canada) is appointed by the central government.
2. Executive Setup
- First Past the Post System: Both countries use the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system to elect representatives.
- Accountable Government: The government in both India and Canada is accountable to the lower house of Parliament.
3. Judicial Structure
- Supreme Court Nomination: The process for appointing Supreme Court judges in both countries follows a centralized appointment system, where judges play an advisory role in legal matters.
4. Legislative Framework
- National Laws: Laws passed by the central Parliament apply to the entire nation in both India and Canada.
Differences Between the Indian and Canadian Constitutions
1. Constitution Type
- India: India follows a written Constitution, which serves as the supreme legal document of the country.
- Canada: Canada follows a combination of written and unwritten laws, influenced by British traditions.
2. Political Framework
- India: India is a republic, where the President is the head of state, elected through an indirect election.
- Canada: Canada follows a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch (King/Queen of England) remains the head of state.
3. Executive Setup
- India: The President is indirectly elected by Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
- Canada: The Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
4. Citizenship Policies
- India: India does not allow dual citizenship.
- Canada: Canada permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold multiple nationalities.
5. Justice System
- India: India has a single integrated legal system with common laws across the country.
- Canada: Canada has multiple legal systems, including common law, civil law, and indigenous legal traditions.
Way forward:
- Both India and Canada share common ideals of democracy, fundamental rights and universal peace.
- In the light of the new taxation regime of the USA, both countries along with many should strive to coordinate a new Indo-Pacific global order.
- Focus on Tier 3 diplomacy – engagement of Indian diaspora for better development of all.
Source: