Canada's India policy, 1947-1997, the emerging policy agenda

Abstract

This thesis examines Canada's India policy between 1947 and 1997, with greater emphasis on the post-1990 period to differentiate it from previous works. As well its focus is on Canadian foreign policy perspectives of Canada-India relations. First, the thesis examines three scholarly contexts: L) niche diplomacy; 2) the business-government relationship in foreign policy; and, 3) the American factor in Canadian foreign policy. Second, the thesis thematically chronologizes formative and indicative events in Canada's India policy. Third, the thesis critically examines the literature about Canada-India relations and draws analyses and conclusions. Finally, the thesis considers the three scholarly contexts in light of the history of Canada's India policy. The thesis's major findings are: I) while the America factor impinges less on Canadian foreign policy now, America effects security issues more than others, and a greater problem for Canadians and Indians is that they view each other through American lens and examples; 2) while the Canadian government is in control and formulating Canadian foreign policy in the state's interest, business occupies both an adversarial and opportunistic relationship to the government and foreign policy; and. 3) niche diplomacy is the best approach for Canada's India policy to engage India, with more emphasis on impact, results and public diplomacy.