India and Canada have taken major steps to mend their strained relationship following years of diplomatic tension. During Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s first official visit to Delhi, she met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss a roadmap for rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the visit would “impart new momentum” to the India-Canada partnership. Relations between the two countries had reached a low point in 2023 after Canada’s former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar—allegations New Delhi firmly denied. In response, both nations had expelled senior diplomats and temporarily suspended visa services.
Following the high-level meeting, India and Canada announced a range of new initiatives, including the resumption of ministerial-level talks on trade and investment. A joint statement emphasized that “reviving this partnership will create opportunities for economic cooperation and help address challenges posed by changing global dynamics.”
Diplomatic progress has been visible since Mark Carney became Canada’s Prime Minister earlier this year. His meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the G7 Summit in June and the subsequent appointment of new high commissioners signaled improving ties. Anita Anand and S. Jaishankar also met recently during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, furthering discussions on mutual interests.
Speaking in Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted the growing collaboration between the two nations: “When we look at Canada, we see a complementary economy, an open society, and shared values of diversity and pluralism. These are the foundations of a long-term cooperative framework.”
Anand echoed this sentiment, noting that both sides are committed to deepening their partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The countries will also restart the Canada–India CEO Forum, which aims to boost business collaboration and investment opportunities.
During her trip, Anand is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to explore new trade avenues. She will then travel to Mumbai to engage with business leaders before continuing her Indo-Pacific tour with visits to China and Singapore.
