India and Canada will maintain their bilateral military engagement despite a recent diplomatic row, according to a senior Indian Army official. The Canadian Army will participate in the upcoming Indo-Pacific army chiefs conclave hosted the Indian Army in Delhi on September 26 and 27. The purpose of the conclave is to develop a common strategy to ensure peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of growing concerns over China’s increasing military presence in the area.
The diplomatic strain between India and Canada escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India quickly rejected these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and retaliated expelling a senior Canadian diplomat, mirroring Canada’s expulsion of an Indian official over the case.
However, Major General Abhinaya Rai, the Additional Director General of Strategic Planning at the Indian Army headquarters, reassured that the dispute would not impact the military engagement between the two countries. He compared the situation to India’s relationship with China, stating that despite having some standoffs, India continues to engage with its neighbors at all levels, including military and diplomatic. Major General Rai emphasized that India’s diplomatic and military interactions with Canada would not be affected.
This statement was supported a Canadian military official, who also expressed confidence that the diplomatic row would not hinder defense engagement between India and Canada.
The Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conclave (IPACC) is expected to be attended 15 army chiefs and delegations from 22 countries, with the United States Army co-hosting the conference. The event will focus on military diplomacy and finding ways to enhance collaboration and interoperability among the armed forces in the region. Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, the Vice Chief of Army Staff, highlighted the significance of the conclave and emphasized that it would strengthen friendships through a shared vision and a “soldierly bond.”
The IPACC, established in 1999 as a biennial event, brings together army chiefs from Indo-Pacific countries to discuss matters of mutual interest. This year’s edition is particularly special as it will involve the participation of military personnel from various ranks, ranging from army chiefs to non-commissioned officers from 22 different nationalities and their spouses.
In addition to the conclave, the Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) will also take place, organized annually the US Army Pacific and a co-host country. The IPAMS is one of the largest conferences for land forces in the region.
Overall, despite the recent diplomatic tensions, India and Canada are committed to maintaining their military cooperation and will continue to engage in the upcoming conclave, aiming to foster peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.