Debunking the current narrative: updating the Canada-India economic relationship

Abstract

There have been significant improvements to the policy framework and tone of diplomatic relations to improve Canada-India economic relations under the previous Harper government. Yet, despite these changes and a commitment to increasing trade to CAD$15 billion by 2015, bilateral trade between the two countries remains stagnant at CAD$6 billion dollars a year. Academics, commentators and policy makers have settled on false narratives to explain why there has been little improvement to this potentially powerful economic relationship. Therefore, this article updates these explanations based on their limitations to improve how the Canada-India economic relationship should be reconceptualized. I recommend that exports that reflect innovative solutions to India's socio-economic development challenge are central to the future of bilateral relations. Canada must also be aware of how its ongoing position on international issues – such as climate change – will negatively affect its relations with India.