India-Canada Relations Strengthened as PM Modi and PM Carney Meet at G7
| 2025-06-18
PM Modi with global leaders at G7 Summit.
India and Canada agree to appoint new high commissioners during the G7 Summit, signalling a reset in diplomatic ties after a year of strained relations.
India and Canada agreed on Tuesday to appoint new high commissioners in a move aimed at restoring normal diplomatic relations, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit in Canada.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the summit in Kananaskis, marked a significant step towards normalising relations after months of diplomatic friction. In a joint statement, both leaders affirmed the importance of the bilateral partnership and committed to re-establishing full diplomatic services for citizens and businesses in both nations.
Diplomatic Reset after a Period of Tension
The decision to appoint new envoys comes after a period of strained ties that began in June 2023 following the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national whom India had designated as a Khalistani terrorist. In response to allegations raised by Canadian authorities regarding the involvement of Indian diplomats in the case, India recalled its High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and five other officials in October 2023.
Speaking to news agency PTI at the time, Verma described Canada’s approach as “the most unprofessional” and said diplomatic channels should have been utilised instead of attempting to interrogate senior diplomats.
Relations deteriorated further as both countries scaled back diplomatic representation, impacting visa processing and official engagement.
Leaders Emphasise Shared Democratic Values
At the G7 bilateral meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the India–Canada relationship as “extremely important in many ways,” highlighting shared democratic principles and economic partnerships. “Many Canadian companies have investments in India, and Indians also hold significant stakes in Canada,” he noted.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Modi wrote: “India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Prime Minister Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship.”
Carney, hosting his first G7 as Canadian Prime Minister, praised Modi’s leadership and India's global importance. “It is a great honour to host you at the G7. It's a testament to the importance of your country and your leadership,” he said.
According to a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, discussions also covered Indo-Pacific cooperation, critical minerals, food security, digital transformation, and energy transition. Both leaders explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in technology, sustainable development, and international security.
Rebuilding Trust through Diplomacy
In agreeing to re-establish full diplomatic representation, the two countries aim to stabilise a relationship that has faced challenges but also holds substantial long-term promise.
The joint statement underlined a commitment to “mutual respect, legal frameworks, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations.” The appointment of new high commissioners is expected to pave the way for improved dialogue and the resumption of key consular services.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to name a new envoy, though diplomatic sources suggest that formal announcements from both governments may follow within weeks.
Modi’s G7 Outreach and Global Engagement
Modi’s meeting with Carney was one of several high-level bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. The Indian leader also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Meloni, posting a photograph of her meeting with Modi, described Italy and India as “linked by a great friendship.” Modi responded by affirming that India’s friendship with Italy “will continue to get stronger.”
The summit also featured discussions on energy security, artificial intelligence, and international cooperation on transnational threats such as terrorism and cybercrime.
Speaking after the G7 outreach session, Modi said the meetings had focused on “productive exchanges with G7 leaders on key global challenges and shared aspirations for a better planet.”
Context: A Complex Relationship with Strategic Potential
India and Canada share deep people-to-people ties, bolstered by a significant Indian diaspora in Canada and robust academic, cultural, and economic exchanges. Bilateral trade between the two nations has also grown in recent years, with potential for further collaboration in clean energy, critical minerals, and innovation.
However, diplomatic tensions over issues related to Sikh separatism, consular access, and mutual allegations of interference have periodically hindered closer engagement.
The decision to restore ambassadorial appointments marks an attempt to overcome recent difficulties and focus on areas of mutual interest. Both leaders appeared keen to emphasise cooperation over conflict, with Modi stating that “Canada and India will have to strengthen democracy together” and Carney noting the “work we can do together” on pressing global issues.
As the two nations prepare to resume full diplomatic engagement, observers will be watching for signs of sustained progress and whether the new envoys can navigate past grievances while building a forward-looking partnership.
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