By Lord Rami Ranger
India and Canada’s row is a tragedy for two great and friendly countries, both secular and democratic, with the rule of law at the heart of the governance. Their citizens enjoy freedom and equality enshrined in their respective constitutions. The citizens are free to form political parties, choose their leaders and govern as they deem fit. However, no citizen can be allowed to use race or religion to devalue their fellow citizen to divide and rule.
Firstly, no friendly country should allow separatist groups to desecrate the flag of a friendly country with impunity, that too in front of the police. There are 1.4 billion Indians who love their national flag and leaders, and to see their national flag and leaders being repeatedly insulted is annoying and hurtful to every Indian. It is wrong of Canadian leaders to expect no reaction from the Indian government to anti-India activities by its citizens. If Canada had genuinely valued India’s friendship, it would have stopped the crude protests against India. Showing a model of India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated by her bodyguards, being shot in a mock enactment, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a cage, as well as showing disrespect to the Indian national flag is despicable.
Aiding and betting decent in a country proves counterproductive. Firstly, it damages race relations and social cohesion in a country. Secondly, it makes the citizens unproductive, negative and harmful. Importing the politics of any country can change the character of the country. Lebanon is a good example. It was a beautiful country. Its capital, Beirut, was known as the Paris of the Middle East. By importing the politics of Palestine, Lebanon destroyed itself. Canadian prime minister, for a few votes, has created hatred between Sikh Canadians and the rest of Indian Canadians. If this is not scoring your own goal, then what is it?
The role of a good leader is to unite their country and not divide. Sadly, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has succeeded in dividing Canada by proving himself to champion freedom and human rights. Short-term gains for himself will prove long-term losses for his country. Before accusing India publicly of its involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, solid cast iron proof should have been provided to the Indian authorities in private. Until today, no credible evidence has been produced.
It is unwise to take on the might of the world’s most populous and largest democracy, which also has the fourth-largest economy and is growing over 7% to 8% annually. India offers a highly skilled labour force that benefits Canada in many ways. Indian students love to study abroad and are a source of income for many Canadian colleges and universities. Openly encouraging anti-India elements can put off these students, who could be the future leaders of Canadian industry and wealth and employment generators for Canada. Working harmoniously with India, Canada stands to get a great deal more. India is a vast market for Canadian products and services.
Finally, diplomatic tit for tat between the two countries will cause immense hardship for the law-abiding hardworking citizens of both countries who wish to work hard and realise their aspirations and dreams. I appeal to the leaders of both governments to look at the bigger picture and work for global peace, progress and stability. India plays an essential role by supplying doctors, engineers, and scientists to shape the modern world. India is the largest producer of affordable pharmaceuticals in the world. India played an essential role in fighting Covid-19 by producing billions of vaccines. India also sends the largest peacekeeping forces to the troubled parts of the world.
Friendship is the way forward. Rivalry benefits no one.
—The writer is a member of the House of Lords, UK