India and Canada have initiated discussions to restore diplomatic relations that have deteriorated following the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil earlier this year. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited India for talks with her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi emphasized the importance of this visit in revitalizing the partnership between the two nations.
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated in 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s killing, allegations that India denied. In response, both nations suspended visa services and expelled senior diplomats from each other’s countries.
Canada hosts nearly 1.7 million individuals of Indian descent, making these developments significant for both nations. In their recent discussions, the countries announced plans to resume ministerial-level discussions on bilateral trade and investment. A joint statement indicated that rekindling this partnership could enhance economic cooperation and address vulnerabilities linked to evolving global alliances.
Earlier this year, there were signs of improved relations, particularly after Mark Carney took over as Canadian Prime Minister. Carney and Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting at the G7 summit in June 2023, and both nations appointed new high commissioners to each other’s capitals in August. Anand and Jaishankar also met during the United Nations General Assembly session in September.
Jaishankar noted that bilateral relations have shown steady improvement in recent months, highlighting the complementary economies of both countries. Anand reiterated a commitment to advancing this relationship, especially regarding mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
They also plan to revive the Canada–India CEO Forum, designed to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Anand’s agenda includes discussions with India’s Commerce Minister on boosting trade ties and speaking to business leaders about economic opportunities, following which she will visit China and Singapore as part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9kd2e073wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss