The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an international forum consisting of 19 individual countries and the European Union. It was established to promote international economic cooperation and policy coordination among its member countries. The G20 represents a diverse group of major economies from different regions of the world. Here are key points about the G20 summit:
- Member Countries: The G20 consists of the following member countries:
- History: The G20 was created in 1999 in response to financial crises in the late 1990s, with the inaugural summit held in 2008 during the global financial crisis. It has since become a key forum for addressing global economic issues.
- Agenda: The G20 agenda covers a wide range of economic and financial topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, trade, development, sustainable development, climate change, and more. Each year, the host country sets the summit’s agenda, with input from member countries.
- Declaration: At the end of each G20 summit, leaders typically issue a joint declaration summarizing their discussions and outlining agreed-upon actions or policy commitments. These declarations guide member countries’ policies and actions in the following year.
The G20 is a critical forum for international cooperation on economic and financial matters, and it plays a central role in addressing global challenges and promoting policy coordination among major economies. The outcomes of G20 summits can have significant impacts on global economic and political developments.
And since that day, the vibes between India and Canada have taken a nosedive.
So, where did it all begin?
It started with the tragic killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. But who exactly was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Well, he became a big name in the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada after moving there in 1996. He played a key role in groups like Sikhs for Justice and even founded the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
The Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) is a Sikh separatist militant organization that seeks to establish an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in the Punjab region of India. The organization advocates for the secession of Punjab from India and the creation of an independent Sikh homeland. It was founded in the early 1980s during a period of violence and turmoil in Punjab.
Key points about the Khalistan Tiger Force:
- Origins: The KTF emerged during the peak of the Khalistan movement in the 1980s, which sought to establish a separate Sikh state. The movement was triggered by political and religious tensions, including demands for greater Sikh autonomy and political representation.
- Leadership: Jagtar Singh Hawara, a prominent figure in the Sikh militant movement, is believed to have been one of the leaders of the Khalistan Tiger Force. The organization has had several leaders and factions over the years.
- Activities: The KTF has been involved in acts of violence, including bombings, assassinations, and other terrorist activities, aimed at achieving its goal of Khalistan’s independence. Its activities have primarily targeted Indian security forces and government officials.
- Banned Organization: The Khalistan Tiger Force, along with several other Sikh militant groups, has been banned by the Indian government, and its activities are considered illegal.
- International Implications: The KTF has been a source of concern for both the Indian and international governments due to its involvement in terrorism. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries and is considered a threat to India’s national security.
- Decline: In the years following the 1990s, the influence and activities of the Khalistan Tiger Force have declined significantly. Indian security forces have taken measures to combat Sikh militancy, resulting in the capture or killing of many KTF leaders and operatives.
It’s important to note that the Khalistan Tiger Force represents a particular perspective within the broader Sikh community and does not reflect the views or goals of all Sikhs. The majority of Sikhs in India and around the world are not associated with or supportive of militant separatist movements. Efforts have been made to address the underlying political and social issues that led to the rise of such groups through dialogue and peaceful means.
Decades later, India labelled the KTF a terrorist organisation, saying it received financial and logistical support from foreign sources to carry out terrorist activities in India. This was the reason why Indian authorities were behind Nijjar for years officially declaring him a terrorist in 2020.
Yes, the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) is considered a terrorist organization by the Indian government and has been banned under anti-terrorism laws. The organization is known for its involvement in acts of terrorism, violence, and insurgency with the aim of establishing an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in the Punjab region of India.
The KTF has been responsible for various terrorist activities, including bombings, assassinations, and attacks targeting Indian security forces and government officials. As a result, it is classified as a terrorist organization, and its activities are illegal under Indian law.
Additionally, the KTF has been designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries and is subject to international counterterrorism efforts. The Indian government and other governments have taken measures to combat the activities of the KTF and other Sikh militant groups to maintain national security and public safety.
In 2018, his name was added to a list of wanted criminals handed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. And in June, Nijjar was shot dead in Canada by gunmen who were not related to India at all.
But now, Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Following his statement, an Indian diplomat named Pavan Kumar Rai was expelled.
In response, India lost its cool, and ordered a senior Canadian diplomat, Olivier Sylvestere, to leave the country, in a tit-for-tat move.
However, the financial connections between India and Canada are pretty strong from both sides.
1. Investments between the two countries have risen significantly to Rs. 2.24 lakh crore in 2022, a 37% increase in just four years.
2. Over 600 Canadian companies operate in India, and more than 1,000 Canadian companies are actively doing business in the Indian market.
3. There are over 3.19 lakh Indian students in Canadian institutions, contributing $4.9 billion to the Canadian economy, making India the largest source of foreign students, according to the latest data from various sources.
4. India’s total exports to Canada were worth $4,109.74 million in FY23, which was about 0.9% of India’s total exports ($450,958.43 million) last FY.
Whereas India’s total imports from Canada in FY23 reached $4,051.29 million, making up nearly 0.6% of India’s total imports of $714,042.45 million in FY22.
5. Canada exported goods and services worth Rs. 71,700 crores including commodities like lentils, timber, metallurgical coal and newsprint to India, and India’s primary exports have been smartphones, railway cars, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, and machinery.
Now, the big question is – Will there be any impact on the growing economic relationship between the two countries?
Well, there’s been some impact already on the economic side. Canada called for a pause on talks about the free trade agreement, which was supposed to happen this year, because of political concerns. These tensions could potentially disrupt plans to boost trade and investment between the two nations.
But here’s the twist: Experts don’t think these fresh tensions will hurt trade and investments much. That’s because the economic relationship is mainly driven by commercial interests, not politics.
India and Canada do not deal in similar products, which means their trade relationships may not be affected by these recent events.
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