After a lengthy dispute stemming from the assassination of a Sikh activist in Canada, India and Canada have outlined a plan to mend their strained ties. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand described her recent trip to New Delhi and Mumbai as successful, emphasizing the progress made in advancing bilateral relations. The rift between the countries began in September-October 2023 when then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India refuted the claims, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both nations.
Despite ongoing tensions, a more practical approach has emerged in efforts to rebuild the relationship, with a focus on economic diplomacy given the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. The recent election of Mark Carney as Canada’s Prime Minister has also contributed to a slight thaw, symbolized by his invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta. The appointment of new high commissioners by both countries and India’s agreement to reinstate the same number of Canadian diplomats signal positive steps forward.
During her visit, Anand met with Prime Minister Modi and engaged in discussions with business leaders in Mumbai. India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar highlighted the importance of cooperation between the nations, emphasizing a positive outlook for future relations. The joint statement released after their meetings emphasized the renewal of momentum, trust-building, and enhanced cooperation, particularly in trade areas such as agriculture, critical minerals, and AI technology.
However, the statement did not explicitly address concerns of transnational repression, prompting Anand to stress the importance of public safety during her discussions in India. The visit aimed at managing differences constructively and establishing structured engagement, as noted by former Indian diplomat Sanjay Kumar Verma. While the trip has received positive feedback from some quarters, groups like Sikhs For Justice have criticized Anand for prioritizing trade over Canadian safety and sovereignty, calling for a probe into her conduct.
Despite differing opinions, the general sentiment among Canadian business leaders is optimistic about the potential for improved relations with India. Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, welcomed the progress made during the visit and emphasized the importance of seizing trade and investment opportunities with India as part of Canada’s diversification strategy.