India and Canada Take Steps to Restore Bilateral Relations Amidst Recent Tensions
In a significant diplomatic move, India and Canada have initiated a series of measures aimed at revitalizing their relationship, which has faced challenges following the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This development comes after a meeting between Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi.
During her inaugural official visit to India, Anand met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized that the visit would enhance "efforts to impart new momentum" to the partnership between the two nations. Tensions escalated in 2023 when then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being connected to Nijjar’s killing—an allegation that India firmly denied. In response, both countries suspended visa services and expelled each other’s top diplomats.
With approximately 1.7 million people of Indian origin residing in Canada, developments in this diplomatic saga are being closely monitored by citizens in both nations. Following the recent talks in Delhi, both countries announced the initiation of ministerial-level discussions focused on bilateral trade and investment, signaling a commitment to rebuild relations.
"Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation but also address vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances," stated a joint statement from both governments. Positive signals towards reconciliation have emerged this year, particularly since Mark Carney took office as Canada’s Prime Minister. In June, Carney and Modi held a bilateral meeting during the G7 summit in Canada, and in August, both nations appointed new high commissioners to each other’s countries.
Anand and Jaishankar also engaged in discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. Jaishankar remarked that India-Canada relations have been steadily improving in recent months, noting, “When we look at Canada, we see a complementary economy, an open society, and a foundation of diversity and pluralism,” which forms the basis for a sustainable cooperative framework.
Anand expressed a shared commitment to advancing the relationship, particularly regarding mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. The two nations plan to resume the Canada-India CEO Forum, which aims to bring together business leaders to foster bilateral trade and investment, especially as India navigates challenges posed by a 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian goods.
In addition to her meetings in New Delhi, Anand is set to confer with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to explore opportunities for strengthening trade ties. Following her visit to India, she will travel to China and Singapore as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, focusing on enhancing engagement in the region.
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