Saturday, March 29, 2025
After years of strain, relations between India and Canada are gradually showing signs of recovery. According to reports, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is preparing to visit India in October, marking the first bilateral trip by a Canadian foreign minister since the controversy surrounding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The visit is seen as a significant step toward rebuilding trust and strengthening ties between the two nations.
The process of restoring ties has already begun. In August this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, leading to renewed diplomatic engagement. Shortly after their meeting, both countries reinstated their High Commissioners: Canada appointed Christopher Cooper in New Delhi, while India sent Dinesh Patnaik to Ottawa.
Speaking about these moves, Anand said the reappointments reflect Canada’s commitment to deepening cooperation and rebuilding relations step by step. Modi and Carney had also met earlier in June during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, where they discussed ways to improve bilateral ties.
In addition to Anand’s planned trip, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison are expected to visit India in September. The string of high-level visits indicates a deliberate effort on both sides to stabilize and strengthen relations. Anand emphasized that Canada is gradually expanding bilateral cooperation with India.
India-Canada relations hit their lowest point in 2023, following remarks by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Speaking in the Canadian Parliament, Trudeau alleged that Indian agents may have been involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly rejected the claim as “baseless,” and diplomatic ties were downgraded.
In October last year, India recalled its High Commissioner from Canada and ordered the return of five additional diplomats. In a reciprocal move, Canada also had to withdraw its officials from India. The diplomatic standoff delivered a major blow to bilateral relations.
Since Prime Minister Mark Carney took office, both governments have signaled a willingness to mend ties. The upcoming visit by Foreign Minister Anita Anand is expected to be a pivotal moment, potentially opening doors to enhanced trade, diplomacy, and cultural cooperation between India and Canada.
