Kananaskis [Canada], June 18 (ANI): India and Canada have agreed to resume full diplomatic services, signaling an end to the chill in relations between the two countries, which was sparked by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada in 2023.
At the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders agreed to designate new High Commissioners, aiming to restore regular services for citizens and businesses in both countries, according to a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.
Prime Ministers Carney and Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada–India relations, based on mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law, and a shared commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two leaders discussed the strong and historic ties between their peoples, strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial connections between Canada and India. These include collaborations in economic growth, supply chains, and the global energy transformation, the statement said.
Prime Minister Carney also raised key priorities from the G7 agenda, including the fight against transnational crime and repression, global security, and the defense of the rules-based international order.
Talks also covered deepening cooperation in technology, digital transition, food security, and critical minerals—despite ongoing political strains in the bilateral relationship.
India has repeatedly expressed concern about extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging the Canadian government to take action against such elements.
Tensions between the two nations escalated in 2023 when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that his government had “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. India strongly rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated,” and accused Canada of providing space to extremist and anti-India elements.
Following the diplomatic row, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after Canadian authorities declared them “persons of interest” in the Nijjar case.
The rift further widened with allegations that Canada had violated international norms, including the Vienna Convention, by subjecting Indian diplomats to surveillance. The Ministry of External Affairs lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government over these actions. (ANI)
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