In a move to mend diplomatic relations, Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and her counterpart S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. This high-level meeting signals a positive shift in the relationship between the two nations, which had been severely strained following the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Anand’s visit, her first official trip to India, aims to restore trust and foster cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about the visit, stating it would bolster efforts to re-energize the bilateral partnership. The assassination incident in 2023 had led to a significant diplomatic crisis, including the expulsion of diplomats and the suspension of visa services between Canada and India. Canada, with its substantial population of Indian origin, is closely watching the developments.
Following the foreign ministers’ discussions, both countries announced a series of measures to revive their relationship. This includes the re-establishment of ministerial-level dialogues focused on bilateral trade and investment. A joint statement highlighted the economic benefits and strategic advantages of strengthening the partnership, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. The current Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has been instrumental in facilitating this diplomatic rapprochement, following earlier high-level meetings and the appointment of new high commissioners to each other’s countries.
The recent diplomatic engagements, including meetings on the sidelines of international forums, underscore a mutual desire to move past the recent difficulties. Both nations are looking to capitalize on their complementary economies and shared values of diversity and pluralism. Discussions are also planned to boost trade ties and explore investment opportunities, as Canada continues its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. This thawing of relations is seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding a stronger and more stable partnership.