SOURCE: AFI
The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has reached an all-time low, largely attributed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “strategic myopia” and continued “anti-India rhetoric.” Defense experts in India are now urging the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reconsider ongoing negotiations concerning the acquisition of Stryker armoured vehicles, a platform derived from the Canadian LAV III and manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C).
The Stryker family of eight-wheeled armoured vehicles, originally designed for the U.S. Army, is produced in a plant located in London, Ontario, Canada. Although the Stryker vehicles under discussion were expected to be locally manufactured in India, defense experts point out that some components and equipment could still originate from Canadian facilities. This potential benefit to the Canadian economy is causing concern among Indian defense experts, who argue that continued economic and defense collaboration with Canada sends the wrong signal in light of the current diplomatic climate.
Amid heightened tensions, defense analysts in India have emphasized the importance of focusing on homegrown defense platforms. Ranesh Rajan, a defense expert, voiced his concerns in an interview with idrw.org, stating, “We cannot do business with countries that shelter and encourage Khalistani extremists.” This statement reflects the growing sentiment in India that Canada’s perceived leniency towards groups hostile to Indian interests—particularly separatist elements advocating for Khalistan—undermines the bilateral relationship.
Rajan and others in the defense community are urging the MoD to pivot toward indigenous options, notably the Indian-made WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform), which recently secured a contract from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The WhAP, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Tata Motors, is seen as a viable alternative to the Stryker, offering similar capabilities without the diplomatic baggage associated with the Canadian connection.
The WhAP, a versatile 8×8 amphibious armoured vehicle, has demonstrated its suitability for a range of combat scenarios and has garnered international interest. The recent success of the WhAP in Morocco signals its growing reputation as a competitive option in the global defense market.
The India-Canada diplomatic row has escalated due to various factors, including Trudeau’s handling of domestic issues related to the Indian diaspora and his government’s alleged failure to separate internal political concerns from foreign policy. The Canadian government’s perceived support for Khalistani groups has been a long-standing point of contention between the two nations, and recent events have further strained ties.
This diplomatic rift is likely to have broader implications for the India-Canada relationship, affecting not only defense trade but also collaboration in other sectors. India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defense production, coupled with increasing skepticism of countries perceived to be unsupportive of its core national interests, underscores the importance of balancing foreign relations with strategic autonomy.