India–Canada Relations: The Nuclear Energy Aspect

Abstract

The India–Canada relationship has witnessed a number of highs and lows despite the two nations sharing common political views. This is perhaps best seen in the civil nuclear cooperation shared between the two. It is interesting to note that the relation between the two nations fractured twice due to nuclear issues in the past; today, nuclear cooperation is an important pillar, helping them to cement a new partnership. This article is an attempt to trace the civil nuclear relationship between India and Canada and to chart its future path. It has to be understood that the nuclear agreement between India and Canada is not restricted in its scope to just benefits for the two countries in developing nuclear technology and trade. It has larger economic and strategic benefits. India’s growing political and economic strength is promising. It is in Canada’s interest to pursue a closer relationship with India. It is in India’s interest to further strengthen this partnership in view of the resources and technology that Canada could provide India to achieve its development goals, especially its green agenda as ratified under the Paris Climate Change Agreement (2015).