Event Date: May 14, 2024 - 9:30am to 10:30am
Location: FSS 5028 and online, 120 University Private, University of Ottawa

In collaboration with the Centre for International Policy Studies, its Asian Studies Network and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Beginning April 19, India will hold its largest national election that will likely keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in government for a third term. The last decade and two previous terms have witnessed dramatic transformations and this election promises to be as consequential for India’s economy, its role in the Indo-Pacific, and how it engages with countries like Canada. This talk will cover the 2019 campaign and what expected outcomes could portend for India’s immediate future.

Coffee and croissants will be served.

This event will take place in English. It will be a hybrid event, with options to join in person and via Zoom.

Join the event via Zoom using the following link (no registration required): https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/j/97137756005?pwd=SzlQNjVsV3JHc3lCZTdxVUVUcCs3UT09

Speaker:

Karthik Nachiappan is Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. His research covers India’s geoeconomics, how issues like trade, technology, and climate change affect Indian foreign policy and how India’s positions on these issues affect Indo-Pacific security dynamics. He is the author of Does India Negotiate? (Oxford University Press, 2020).

Commentator:

David McKinnon (BA [History], University of Toronto, 1986; MBA, Queen’s University, 2002) joined the Department of External Affairs as a trade commissioner in 1987. During his time in Ottawa, he has served in a variety of positions related to the range of Canada’s overseas trade, economic and diplomatic interests, including as director for Asia-Pacific policy (2002 to 2004). From 2013 to 2017, he was executive director of strategic policy and planning and then director general of the Physical Resources Bureau. Mr. McKinnon’s assignments overseas have included Bangkok (1989 to 1992), Canberra (1994 to 1998 and 2009 to 2013, the latter as deputy head of mission), New Delhi (2004 to 2009), where he was the minister-counsellor responsible for the delivery of Canada’s trade and investment program in India and Nepal, and Sri Lanka and the Maldives (2017-2022, as High Commissioner).

Chair and moderator:

Vina Nadjibulla is the Vice-President, Research & Strategy of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. She joined APF Canada as Vice-President, Research & Strategy in November, 2023. Vina leads APF Canada’s research, education, and network support activities. She also oversees the Foundation’s granting and research fellowships programs as well as development and capacity building projects. She is a frequent media commentator on geopolitics, Canadian foreign policy, and Canada-Asia relations, with a focus on India and China.