India and Canada differ greatly when it comes to culture, language and religion. However, they also have similarities if one looks more closely. Here we will feature the similarities between these two nations.

India

The Republic of India is a South Asia country that is known to be the second most populous nation in the world. India is part of the top ten countries with the highest GDP and is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. It is a multilingual and multi-ethnic country. Cultures in India have existed since 1.5 million years ago and that India has been acknowledged since 3rd century BCE as Hindustan. Indo-Aryan and Dravidian are the two major languages in India and English is classified as a subsidiary official language.

Canada

Canada is a country in North America and is the second largest country based on total area. It is also the largest English-speaking and French-speaking country in the world. It is a sparsely-populated country with highly urbanized territories. It ranks in different aspects like government transparency, quality of life, and education. It shares land borders with the United States.

Similarities

These are the commonalities between the countries of India and Canada.

British Colonization

Both countries were British colonies. European traders like the English East India company arrived in the 18th century and gradually influenced and colonized India until the Indian Rebellion. In the case of Canada, it was seafarers and explorers that claimed its land under King Henry VII’s name in 1467. The first North American English colony was founded in 1583 under Queen Elizabeth I.

Nationalist movements

The conflicts between the majority and minority groups eventually led to nationalist movements in both countries. The results however, do vary. In each case, a part of the nation moved to function as a separate country. Pakistan is now its own country, while Quebec remains a part of Canada to this day.

Presence of the English Language

English is a part of both Canadian and Indian lifestyle. In Canada, it is a major language together with French. In India, however, it is considered as a subsidiary official language and is only used in formal occasions and business transactions.

Government

They are both classified as democracies. Canada is a full democracy as well as a constitutional monarchy. On the other hand, India is a democracy and a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system.

Economy

India and Canada are both successful when it comes to national economy alone. India is the sixth largest when it comes to market exchange rates and possesses the third largest PPP. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Meanwhile, Canada is the tenth largest economy as of 2016. The Toronto stock exchange in Canada is the seventh largest in the world based on market capitalization.

Mutual Alliances

Both nations belong in the United Nations and the G20.