WITH THE ADVENT OF DONALD TRUMP, THE GEOPOLITICAL SCENARIO WILL CHANGE!

• As the global community was waiting with bated breath about the consequences of the maverick and extremely unpredictable Donald Trump assuming the office of the Presidency of the United States of America, the anticipated disturbances in the geopolitical and geostrategic scenarios are undergoing fast-paced changes. The slew of measures initiated by the Trump administration in the last two months have been nothing short of mayhem on the established world order that is witnessing unpleasant churning much to the chagrin of all concerned. The tariff wars are set to be the most dominant factor in the next few years. Trump’s obsession with making America great again at the cost of global economic prudence will usher in tremendous alterations.

PC: abc7NY

• Trump’s no-holds-barred announcement of reciprocal tariffs on countries charging exorbitant import duties of American products has already set the cat amongst the pigeons greatly disturbing the established norms. India is not spared too by Trump. Even as Prime Minister Modi was visiting the White House, Trump announced imposing reciprocal tariffs leaving no doubts whatsoever that New Delhi will have to rework the tariff strategies. Canada is one of the countries greatly affected by the US’s tariffs. The global community is aware of how the diplomatic relations between India and Canada have gone southwards in the last year or so. The animosity simply singed the harmonious relationship between the two countries to a great extent.

PC: India Today

• Therein lies the opportunity to mend ways for both countries to improve ties. Thus, a G7 invite for the PM could be a first step in that direction. Mind you, a week can be a long time in international relations. A month, an eternity. With a new PM in Canada, there is already fledgling optimism that its ties with India can be mended. Those tied had frozen under the Trudeau administration because of Ottawa’s perceived support for Khalistani elements in Canada. Trudeau had blamed Indian govt agents for the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar without credible evidence. New Delhi reacted strongly, resulting in the mutual expulsion of diplomats. But today Canada is in a different place with new Premier Mark Carney – a career technocrat.

PC: The New Indian Express

• Carney has said he wants to improve ties with India, and New Delhi has indicated it is open to burying the hatchet. And the catalyst here is pretty clear – Trump. With the new White House administration upending US relations with Canada and weaponizing tariffs against both rivals and allies, New Delhi and Ottawa find themselves navigating similar choppy waters. Canada is determined to chart a new, less US-dependent course for itself, and India wants to insulate itself from the fallout of Trump tariffs. Therefore, reviving negotiations on a bilateral trade deal – Canada is a natural resources powerhouse – will be mutually beneficial. A G7 invite and reappointment of high commissioners in New Delhi and Ottawa could be a new beginning. More will follow suit.