Major Diplomatic Breakthrough Between India and Canada
In a significant step towards mending strained relations, India and Canada agreed to reinstate their ambassadors after a prolonged diplomatic freeze. This development followed a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Canada.
Restoring Normalcy Amid Diplomatic Fallout
The diplomatic rift between these two Commonwealth nations escalated last year when Canada's former Prime Minister publicly accused India of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist activist, on Canadian soil—claims that India firmly denied. This accusation led to immediate expulsions of ambassadors, severely disrupting bilateral communication channels.
With Mark Carney assuming office as Canada’s Prime Minister in March, he extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit, where their bilateral discussion paved the way for normalization. Both leaders agreed that appointing new high commissioners would help resume uninterrupted services for citizens and businesses in both countries.
Leaders Emphasize Shared Democratic Values and Cooperation
PM Carney expressed it was a "great honour" to welcome Modi and highlighted mutual priorities such as energy security, artificial intelligence, and combating transnational repression and terrorism. Modi, in turn, underlined the importance of their relationship, emphasizing India and Canada's shared commitment to democratic principles and expressing confidence in future collaborative progress.
Background: What Led to Diplomatic Strains?
The tensions ignited over allegations linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and advocate for the Khalistan separatist movement, who was fatally shot in British Columbia in 2023. The controversy deeply affected diplomatic ties and overshadowed the countries’ otherwise strong economic and cultural connections.
- $9 billion worth of trade exchanged between India and Canada in 2023.
- Canada hosts the largest Sikh diaspora outside India, fostering strong cultural ties.
- India rejected accusations, urging Canada to address violent extremism linked to Khalistan advocates.
A Path Forward
This reconciliation marks a hopeful turning point in India-Canada relations, potentially facilitating collaboration on economic, security, and cultural fronts moving ahead.
