India-Canada Diplomatic Row Will Not Impact Military Engagement: Indian Army Official
Updated on September 20, 2023, 20:30 IST
In the midst of a diplomatic conflict between India and Canada, a senior Indian Army official has stated that it will not affect bilateral military engagement. The official confirmed that the Canadian Army will participate in the conclave of Indo-Pacific army chiefs in Delhi next week. The Indian Army is hosting the conclave on September 26 and 27, with the aim of developing a common strategy to ensure peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region amidst growing concerns over China’s military activities.
Tensions between India and Canada have escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India has firmly denied these allegations, describing them as absurd and motivated. In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, mirroring Ottawa’s earlier expulsion of an Indian official over the case.
However, Major General Abhinaya Rai, the Additional Director General of Strategic Planning at the Army headquarters, emphasized that the conflict would not impact military engagement between India and Canada. He cited examples of other neighboring countries with whom India has had standoffs but continues to engage at military and diplomatic levels, specifically mentioning China.
Similarly, a Canadian military official also asserted that the diplomatic row will not affect defense engagement between the two countries. The conclave will be attended by 15 Army chiefs and delegations from 22 countries, with the US Army co-hosting the event. The Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conclave (IPACC) will focus on discussing the role of military diplomacy in mitigating crises, enhancing collaboration among armed forces, and improving interoperability.
Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar expressed his anticipation that the event will build common perspectives and strengthen friendships among the participating nations. He also highlighted the special nature of this edition of the conclave, as it will witness the participation of various military ranks from 22 nationalities. The Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), which is held annually, is another significant event organized by the US Army Pacific in collaboration with a co-host country, highlighting the importance of land forces in the region.
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