Latest news with #Indo-PacificStrategy
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Canada will revisit its Indo-Pacific strategy keeping economic interests in mind: Foreign minister
Toronto: Canada will revisit its Indo-Pacific strategy keeping domestic economic interests in mind, the country's foreign minister has said. Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand speaks during an interview at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10. (REUTERS) Speaking to reporters from Kuala Lumpur where she was attending the Asean summit, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand said, 'This is a time when the global economy is under stress and we need to ensure that our diplomacy is serving domestic interests as well.' She said that Ottawa's foreign policy in general including that looking at the Indo-Pacific region, will adhere to the values it has historically adhered to but also 'how we can ensure that foreign policy is an extension of domestic interests and particularly domestic economic interests'. The Indo-Pacific Strategy was released in November 2022, and 'the global strategic environment has shifted significantly' since then, she pointed out. 'We are going to build the Indo-Pacific strategy and we're going to do that in way that serves Canadians,' she noted. She described as a 'significant step' the bilateral meeting that Prime Minister Mark Carney held with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the margins of the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, last month, but cautioned that the next steps will be 'taken prudently and in due course' but that 'timeline will be steady, not immediate'. While Canada is seeking to diversify trade from beyond the United States, given tariff threats from American President Donald Trump, the countries it is reaching out to repair relations with isn't limited to India. Anand also met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Asean summit. The Indo-Pacific Strategy, when it was released, described India as a 'critical partner'. 'Canada and India have a shared tradition of democracy and pluralism, a common commitment to a rules-based international system and multilateralism, mutual interest in expanding our commercial relationship and extensive and growing people-to-people connections,' it said. Months later, on September 18, 2023, ties cratered after than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Common that there were 'credible allegations' of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, three months earlier. India called those accusations 'absurd' and 'motivated'.
Malaysia Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Minister Anand concludes visit to Japan and Malaysia to strengthen Indo-Pacific partnerships
July 11, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded her successful visit to Japan and Malaysia to deepen Canada's strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. In Tokyo, Japan, Minister Anand met with Iwaya Takeshi, Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, and to sign the Canada-Japan Security of Information Agreement. This was an important milestone in the strategic partnership between Canada and Japan as the agreement will deepen defence and security collaboration between the two countries. Minister Anand also met with Hayashi Yoshimasa, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, to discuss security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region. At the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Post Ministerial Conference Plus Canada, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Minister Anand highlighted Canada's commitment to collaborate with ASEAN to address global security threats and enhancing economic security and supply-chain resilience. Canada's sustained engagement with ASEAN reinforces Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) in promoting security, economic opportunity and strong international partnerships. While the ASEAN- Canada Strategic Partnership is thriving, it is unfolding in the context of increasing global instability. At the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Minister Anand emphasized Canada's support for international law and ASEAN's central role in upholding a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. She noted that Canada views the ARF as a vital platform for constructive dialogue on pressing global and regional challenges, including the crisis in Myanmar, tensions in the East and South China seas, military cooperation between North Korea and Russia and growing insecurity in the Middle East. While in Kuala Lumpur, Minister Anand met with Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Malaysia's Minister of Foreign, and several of her counterparts from: Australia Bangladesh China Indonesia Laos New Zealand Pakistan Philippines Singapore Switzerland Thailand Vietnam Minister Anand used these meetings to advance bilateral and multilateral economic opportunities, as well as shared priorities, in the region. After the conference, Minister Anand spoke with ASEAN and Canadian trade negotiators, as well as business representatives, to build on the work of the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, the Minister of International Trade, to conclude an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA). This agreement would bolster trade and investment opportunities in the region for Canadian businesses.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Africa News Live Updates: Raila Odinga's support for Kenyan government raises questions about his 2027 election plans
July 11, 2025, 09:45:24 (IST) Whatsapp Facebook Twitter China and Canada's investment push in Bangladesh mirrors global competition for influence in Africa China and Canada are both seeking to strengthen economic ties with Bangladesh through renewed collaboration in trade and investment, a move that highlights a larger global trend with significant implications for Africa, according to a report in Daily Sun. This development is part of China's ongoing Belt and Road Initiative and Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, showcasing how major global powers are competing for influence and economic partnerships in emerging economies. For African nations, this dynamic serves as a case study, presenting both opportunities to attract similar investment and the challenge of competing for global capital, while underscoring the importance of strategic negotiation and sustainable debt management in such partnerships.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean–Canada trade pact, Indo-Pacific strategy to drive sustainable growth, says Wisma Putra
KUALA LUMPUR: The synergy between the Asean–Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy has emerged as a significant catalyst for sustainable growth, regulatory alignment, and inclusive economic resilience. Wisma Putra said Asean Foreign Ministers welcomed the positive momentum in ACAFTA negotiations, recognising its potential to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital trade, artificial intelligence, green technology and clean energy. This followed the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with Canada, co-chaired by Laos Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, in his capacity as Country Coordinator for Asean–Canada Dialogue Relations, and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. The statement said that Canada's longstanding support for Asean's sustainability agenda was acknowledged, particularly in areas such as climate change, innovation and disaster management. "Ministers underscored the importance of investing in future generations, citing the success of Canada's Scholarship and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme," it said. The meeting also highlighted Canada's technical capabilities in energy transition and quantum technologies, with ministers expressing interest in strengthening collaboration through the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). They also looked forward to the adoption of the Asean–Canada Plan of Action (2026–2030) as a timely opportunity to chart a more ambitious course for future cooperation. Asean also expressed appreciation for Canada's enduring partnership and constructive engagement over the years. "The meeting reaffirmed both sides' commitment to advancing a forward-looking, inclusive agenda centred on peace, sustainability, and shared prosperity. "As the region confronts increasingly complex challenges, Asean and Canada remain united in their pursuit of resilient, rules-based cooperation grounded in mutual respect and common purpose," the statement added. On regional and international developments, Malaysia reiterated its deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. The statement added that Malaysia emphasised the importance of upholding a fair and rules-based international order, grounded in international law and United Nations resolutions. "Malaysia called on all parties to exercise restraint and stressed the need for a balanced, constructive approach in pursuit of lasting peace in the Middle East," it said. The meeting is part of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related sessions, ahead of Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', which will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
The Diplomat
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
Why the MCC's Continuation is in the Interest of Nepal — and the US
After putting MCC projects on hold in January this year, the Trump administration recently said that its projects in Nepal would go ahead. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an American bilateral foreign aid agency, has been mired in controversy in Nepal since the get-go. It signed a $500 million compact with Nepal in September 2017. Proposed projects aimed to maintain road quality, increase the availability and reliability of electricity, and facilitate cross-border electricity trade between Nepal and India, which in turn would 'spur investments, accelerate economic growth, and reduce poverty.' As part of the deal, besides the $500 million the Americans were giving, Nepal would pitch in $197 million for the completion of the MCC projects. The projects ran into controversy after senior American officials started linking them to the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), an American military construct designed to curtail China's rise. The common sentiment was that Nepal should not be a part of any military or strategic pact, especially one that harms its relations with China, the large neighbor to the north. Early in 2022, senior American officials like the MCC's then-Vice President Fatema Z. Sumar and the then-U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu threatened Nepal's political leadership that the failure to ratify the MCC on time could lead to a 'review' of America's ties with Nepal. The compact's stipulation that future disputes in the projects would be settled in line with the compact's provisions — and not Nepal's domestic laws — also irked Nepalis. At the height of the MCC disputes in 2022, Nepali political leaders, especially senior hands in the country's largest party, the Nepali Congress, strongly backed the MCC projects, even when it was not a popular thing to do. Many left-leaning leaders, too, lent their tacit support to the compact — provided it was amended before parliamentary ratification. Eventually, a middle way was found: Nepal's parliament would ratify the compact while also passing an accompanying 'interpretative declaration.' Among other things, the declaration clarified that the compact's endorsement did not mean Nepal will be 'a part of any United States' strategy, military or security alliance including the Indo-Pacific Strategy.' And in case of disputes, the Constitution of Nepal would prevail over the compact. The ratification came at the end of 2022, and the Americans accepted the interpretative declaration, clearing the way for project implementation. Nepal's interests had been secured and the country had locked in an advantageous deal. First, the MCC projects would be built on grants, thus creating no additional liability on the Nepali state. Second, its time-bound nature would be a breath of fresh air in a country where vital infrastructure projects tend to be delayed by years or even decades. Third, as the power lines being built with American money would be used to take Nepal's excess energy to India, it would help Nepal realize its old dream of prospering through the export of its electricity. Then, Donald Trump came to power in January 2025 and declared that all American aid projects, including the MCC, had been put on hold. This created confusion in Nepal as it was unclear whether the funds for Nepal would be exempted. In fact, the common belief was that the Nepal compact was dead and buried — even though it had been signed during Trump's first term as U.S. president. Nepal's liberal-minded politicians had staked their careers and credibility to push for the compact's ratification—and now the Americans were seemingly backing out. Pulling the plug on the compact would thus have made it difficult for the Nepali political class to endorse any future American project or funding. Amid this uncertainty, in the middle of June, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu announced that Nepal had been exempted from budget cuts and the MCC projects were still scheduled for completion by their original August 2028 deadline. The announcement was timely. The projects' cancellation would have damaged bilateral ties and harmed Nepal's interests. The U.S. helps balance the oft-overwhelming influence of India and China, Nepal's two big (and only) neighbors, which is why the U.S. is often called Nepal's 'sky' or 'third' neighbor. When India blockaded landlocked Nepal in 2015-16, the United States consistently highlighted the resulting hardships of Nepali people, helping build international pressure on India to quickly lift the embargo. Even for the United States, reneging on the compact would have backfired. (It still could if Trump changes his mind again.) If their goal is to check China's rise in the region, it can only be done by winning the confidence of smaller countries like Nepal and helping them in their development endeavors. The lofty democratic ideals American officials like to emphasize tend to grate when not backed by such solid support. Of late, the U.S. has taken some dubious decisions like the suspension of visa interviews for Nepali students wanting to study in the U.S., and shutting down the USAID that was supporting key health initiatives in Nepal. But the continuity of the MCC projects suggests the Americans are not 'abandoning' Nepal. Even more importantly for Nepalis, the MCC's presence in Nepal undercuts the 'foreign policy myth' that the U.S. views Nepal through Indian lens.
