Canada and India are taking steps to improve their diplomatic relations. After a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India at the G7 summit in Alberta, both countries agreed to appoint new high commissioners and restore regular diplomatic services for their citizens.
This decision comes after a tense period last fall when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats. This action was prompted by reports linking Indian government agents to a campaign targeting Canadian citizens. In retaliation, India expelled the acting Canadian high commissioner and five other diplomats, leaving both countries without key diplomatic personnel for some time.
Canadian intelligence has identified India as a significant source of foreign interference in Canada, particularly concerning issues of transnational repression. This concern was highlighted in a joint statement by G7 leaders, who condemned such actions and called for cooperation among member countries to address them.
During their meeting, Carney expressed his honor in hosting Modi and emphasized the importance of their countries working together on issues like energy transition, artificial intelligence, and combating terrorism. Modi echoed this sentiment, stating that India-Canada relations are vital and that both nations share democratic values.
Despite the positive discussions, Modi’s visit to the G7 summit was met with protests from Sikh separatist groups. The backdrop of these diplomatic talks includes serious allegations against the Indian government, including its involvement in the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Canadian authorities have indicated that there is evidence connecting Indian officials to various crimes in Canada, raising concerns about safety and security for citizens.
As Canada and India move forward, both leaders are hopeful about strengthening their friendship and collaboration on global issues. The restoration of diplomatic services is a crucial step in this direction, signaling a desire for better communication and cooperation between the two nations.