On March 25, 2025, the Centre for International Peace and Security Studies () and the Max Bell School of Public Policy co-hosted a panel discussion on “The Indo-Pacific: Canadian and Indian Perspectives.” Held in the Leacock Building, the event featured keynote speaker Dr. C. Raja Mohan, one of India’s foremost scholars of geopolitics and foreign policy, alongside Canadian experts to examine the shifting dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and the evolving Canada–India relationship.Ěý
The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a defining arena of 21st-century global politics. For India, the region offers both opportunities and challenges as it navigates the rise of China and shifting power dynamics. At the same time, the Indo-Pacific is becoming increasingly central to Canada’s foreign policy, creating both points of convergence and areas of tension. These themes set the stage for the panel discussion, which examined how Canada and India can address common challenges and explore avenues for cooperation in this evolving strategic landscape.Ěý
Dr. Mohan is a former Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and an Adviser to the Council for Strategic and Defense Research in New Delhi, traced India’s geopolitical evolution in the Indo-Pacific. Since independence, India’s relationship with China has swung between cooperation and conflict, with a brief thaw after 1988 but ongoing tensions at the border and unease over Beijing’s growing influence. Today, India leans more heavily on ties with the United States in areas like trade and technology, which Mohan described as a stabilizing force in the region. He pointed out, however, that Canada has largely been left on the sidelines. Domestic politics, particularly around the diaspora, often spill into diplomacy and strain relations. Still, Mohan stressed that as two democracies, India and Canada have the tools to work through their disagreements if both sides are willing.Ěý
Other panelists broadened the discussion. Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, argued that Canada must reassess India’s role within its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), noting that Ottawa has historically underestimated India’s strategic importance. Nadjibulla noted that Canada brings strengths in the maritime law and security, but its relationship with India has been weighed down by mistrust. The political tensions dates to 1985 Air India bombing to recent murder of a Canadian Indian national that escalated the diplomatic tensions. She suggested that Canada is now in a moment of transition, with potential changes in political leadership will create space for serious dialogue, business exchanges, and a national conversation on how to move forward.ĚýĚý
Adding to this point, Vincent Rigby, the Slater Family Professor of Practice at Max Bell School of Public Policy, rather argued that Canada cannot meaningfully engage in the Indo-Pacific until it rebuilds its bilateral relationship with India. The personal tensions between Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Modi have overshadowed substantial diplomatic engagement. To move forward, Rigby urged a more pragmatic, depersonalized approach to diplomacy.Ěý
Bringing the discussion together, distinguished James ÂĚñÉç Professor in Political Science, T.V. Paul framed India as part of the “emerging great super power club,” stressing the need for new power arrangements and creative diplomatic ideas. In his view, credibility of alliances has been weakened by the populist disruptions during the Trump presidency, and middle powers likes India and Canada must find innovative ways to cooperate.ĚýĚý
While political tensions and mistrust continue to weigh on Canada–India relations, the speakers agreed that the Indo-Pacific presents opportunities too important to ignore. Issues such as maritime security, climate change, and border governance demand cooperation from middle powers willing to step up as the United States turns inward. Canada and India, each influential in their respective areas, face the challenge of rebuilding trust and navigating ongoing political tensions. Strengthening their bilateral relationship will be crucial for promoting stability and cooperation in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.Ěý
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