With political tensions rising between Canada and India, Pulse Canada is confident the trading relationship between the two countries is strong enough to overcome the latest dispute.

In an emailed statement, Pulse Canada Chair Greg Cherewyk said “Canada’s pulse industry has developed a strong trading relationship with businesses in India built on mutual respect and trust.”

He also says in a time of food price inflation and strong demand for pulse crops, they’re confident that “affordability and availability will continue to drive decision making at a government level” adding “pulses are a staple food that are an important source of protein in India for hundreds of millions of people.”

The statement is in response to Canada expelling the Indian High Commissioner and five other Indian diplomats after the RCMP announced it had credible evidence linking Indian agents to murder, extortion, and coercion in Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first made the allegations known about the assassination late last year and had called on the Indian government to fully cooperate with the RCMP’s investigation. India has denied all accusations.

International Trade Minister Mary Ng reassures Canadian businesses with ties to India they will continue to be supported.

Canada’s top exports to India include lentils, potash fertilizers, and coal. The most recent trade numbers from StatsCan show Canada exported $5.3-billion worth of goods to India in 2022. Imports from India, meanwhile, were $8.3-billion.

Food inflation over the past year had prompted the Indian government to temporarily suspend stiff import tariffs on Canadian yellow peas and lentils. Shipments of both commodities have continued throughout this year.

The trade spat also puts a damper on already stalled bi-lateral trade talks as Ottawa suspended negotiations a year ago due to the allegations.

(CKRM-SaskAgToday.com)