India-Canada Reset: Will Mark Carney’s visit to India melt the ice of relations? Cross talk on trade, AI and Khalistan

News India Live, Digital Desk: A big and positive movement is being seen amidst the long-standing diplomatic bitterness between India and Canada. The newly appointed Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney is visiting India soon. This visit is being seen as a last and decisive opportunity to ‘reset’ the strained relations between the two countries. Attempt to ‘reset’ relations: Why is this visit important? In the last few years, the issues of Nijjar dispute and Khalistani extremism had taken India-Canada relations to their lowest level. There are three major pillars at the center of this first visit of Mark Carney to India: 1. Trade and Economic Relations: There is immense potential for bilateral trade between Canada and India. The main focus of Carney, himself an experienced economist and banker, is to bring the stalled Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) back on track. Canadian pension funds have huge investments in India, which they want to protect and expand.2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology: Canada is one of the world’s leading countries in AI research. Carney wants to lay the foundation of a strategic partnership in the AI ​​sector with India’s vast talent pool and digital infrastructure.3. Khalistan and the thorny issue of security: This visit will not be considered a success unless India’s security concerns are addressed. The Indian government has made it clear that anti-India activities and Khalistani extremism operating from Canadian soil are the biggest obstacles in relations. It is hoped that Carney can give some concrete assurance to India this time. An indication of the changed politics of Canada? Mark Carney becoming Prime Minister is in itself an indication that Canada now wants to give priority to “diplomacy and economy”. Carney seems to be in favor of resolving the deadlock that had arisen during Justin Trudeau’s tenure through dialogue. Experts’ opinion: Diplomatic experts believe that India is now a global power and Canada cannot ignore a big market like India for long to strengthen its economy. Challenges still remain. Even if Carney is ready to join hands, but ‘sovereignty’ (sovereignty) for India Is paramount. Will Canada take tough action against Khalistani elements? Will India fully normalize visa services and diplomatic presence for Canadian citizens? The answers to these questions will be known only after this much-awaited tour.