In a striking interview with Asian News International (ANI), Michael Rubin, former Pentagon official and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, expressed strong support for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to rebuild fractured ties with India, sharply contrasting them with the controversial foreign policy stance of former PM Justin Trudeau.

Rubin, who is known for his deep insights into geopolitical affairs, commended Carney for adopting a "more serious and constructive approach" to India, an approach rooted in strategic sincerity rather than political spectacle. His comments have added a fresh dimension to the evolving dynamics of India-Canada relations—a relationship that has faced immense strain in recent years, especially under Trudeau’s leadership.

Carney's Constructive Tone vs. Trudeau's Political Posturing

Rubin did not mince words as he drew a clear line between the diplomatic maturity of PM Carney and what he described as "unprincipled posturing" by Trudeau, particularly over issues like Khalistani extremism and the Hardeep Singh Nijjar controversy.

“India is not a football which you kick around. It is an ally to be embraced,” Rubin stated emphatically, urging Canada to demonstrate maturity and good faith in dealing with New Delhi.

He observed that Mark Carney’s intent to repair bilateral ties already marks a significant departure from Trudeau's politicised engagement, which Rubin described as virtue signalling for domestic political gains.

Trudeau's Legacy: Virtue Signalling and Appeasement

Rubin was deeply critical of Trudeau's tenure, accusing him of appeasing radical Sikh groups and turning Canada’s foreign policy into a domestic political tool. He pointed specifically to the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing and the Khalistan movement, saying Trudeau exaggerated the narrative and blamed India unjustly.

“The grievances about Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the Khalistan movement were not real,” Rubin claimed, adding that Trudeau seemed more interested in appeasing extremists than pursuing objective diplomacy.

According to Rubin, Trudeau’s willingness to pander to radical Sikh elements compromised Canada’s credibility and moral authority, not just with India but in global diplomatic circles.

Khalistani Extremism: Rubin Calls for Firm Action

In a powerful message to Canadian authorities, Rubin urged the government to take decisive steps against Khalistani extremism, including:

• Designating extremist groups as terrorist organisations

• Clamping down on illegal financing

• Stigmatizing groups with no legitimacy in Punjab or the broader Sikh diaspora

“It is essential that India continues to press Canada to uproot terror finance and stigmatize forever these groups,” Rubin said.

He stressed that true bilateral cooperation on law enforcement and counter-terrorism must include open dialogue about these groups' funding, recruitment, and links to organised crime.

Modi’s G7 Visit: A Sign of India’s Confidence

Rubin also welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acceptance of Carney’s invitation to attend the G7 Summit in Canada from June 15 to 17, calling it a strong sign of confidence.

“India has nothing to hide,” Rubin said, applauding the decision and noting that it reflects a willingness to engage transparently, even as tensions remain.

Rubin emphasized that the problem was not Canada as a nation, but the immaturity and unprofessionalism of Justin Trudeau, whose policies, in Rubin’s view, alienated a key strategic partner.

Why Rubin’s Words Matter

Michael Rubin’s statements are significant not only because of his Pentagon background but also due to his close association with US-India strategic dialogue circles. His endorsement of Carney and condemnation of Trudeau reflect a growing consensus among Western policy thinkers that India is too important a partner to be alienated by short-sighted political theatrics.

Rubin’s interview supports the belief that India and Canada must rebuild trust through mutual respect, law enforcement cooperation, and strategic alignment on shared democratic values.

Carney’s Leadership: Banking Roots and Realism

Rubin credited Mark Carney’s background as a banker and global economic strategist for bringing a more pragmatic outlook to foreign policy.

“Carney understands the importance of India,” Rubin said, noting that unlike Trudeau—who peddled in image and imagination—Carney seeks to restore maturity and professionalism to the India-Canada relationship.

This difference in leadership style may be just what is needed to reset bilateral ties and rebuild the economic and security partnership that both nations urgently need.

Moving Forward: A Two-Way Dialogue

Rubin concluded by calling for a two-way dialogue between India and Canada on key security and law enforcement issues, including:

• Illegal immigration from India to Canada

• Terror financing from Canadian soil

• Radical groups operating under the guise of advocacy

• Organised crime among Sikh extremist factions

He reiterated that sheltering any form of extremism will ultimately hurt Canada’s national interest and warned that Trudeau’s soft approach on Khalistan could have long-term consequences.

A Wake-Up Call for Canadian Policy

Rubin’s interview should serve as a wake-up call for Canada’s policy circles. If Prime Minister Mark Carney follows through on his intention to repair the relationship with India, it would mark a pivotal moment in Indo-Canadian relations.

This shift would also encourage broader cooperation across:

• Technology partnerships

• Defence collaborations

• Educational exchanges

• Energy and climate goals

Conclusion: Restoring Diplomacy Over Drama

Michael Rubin’s strong words underscore a critical turning point in Canada-India ties. As India takes the high road with its willingness to engage constructively, it is now Canada’s turn to act responsibly and purge its politics of extremist influences.

By backing Carney’s efforts and dismissing Trudeau’s theatrics, Rubin has laid out a clear path: restoring diplomacy over drama, and substance over symbolism.

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