Canada and India Begin Diplomatic Reset at G7 Summit
In a significant move aimed at repairing severely strained relations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Held on June 17 or 18, 2025, this meeting marked the first bilateral talks between the leaders of the two nations since diplomatic ties plunged following Canada’s 2023 accusation of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The meeting signals a mutual desire to move past a nearly two-year period of intense tension and mistrust, which saw reciprocal expulsions of diplomats and left crucial High Commissioner positions vacant in both Ottawa and New Delhi.
The Strain on India-Canada Relations
Relations between Canada and India deteriorated sharply after then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in Parliament in September 2023 that there were “credible allegations” linking India’s government to the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Nijjar, a naturalized Canadian citizen and vocal advocate for an independent Sikh state (Khalistan), was deemed a terrorist by India but viewed by some Sikh groups as a human rights activist.
India vehemently denied any connection to Nijjar’s killing, instead accusing Canada of harboring extremists and providing a safe haven for separatists seeking to destabilize India. The dispute led to Canada expelling six Indian diplomats, alleging a pattern of targeting dissidents within Canada. India responded by expelling Canadian diplomats and withdrawing its High Commissioner, citing escalating tensions. While four men have since been charged in connection with Nijjar’s murder, the underlying diplomatic rift persisted, fueled by India’s long-standing concerns about Sikh separatist activities within Canada, home to a large Sikh diaspora.
The context of the meeting also includes a change in Canadian leadership, with Mark Carney succeeding Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister in March 2025, following criticisms faced by the previous government.
Productive Talks and Concrete Steps
Despite the challenging backdrop, both leaders described their meeting as positive, productive, and constructive. Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about future cooperation, while Prime Minister Carney highlighted the “great honor” of hosting India, acknowledging its critical role in global supply chains and its significant presence at the G7 as a guest nation since 2018.
A key, tangible outcome of their discussion is the agreement to appoint new High Commissioners (ambassadors) for both countries. This decision aims to fill the diplomatic vacancies that have existed for over a year, facilitating a return to regular services for citizens and businesses in both nations and re-establishing vital diplomatic channels.
Both leaders reaffirmed the foundational importance of Canada-India ties, emphasizing that the relationship should be guided by principles of mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Looking Beyond the Diplomatic Impasse
Beyond addressing the immediate diplomatic rift, the leaders also discussed areas for future collaboration. Talks covered potential cooperation in sectors such as technology, the digital transition, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), food security, and critical minerals. There was also a resolution to revive senior and working-level dialogues and a discussion about potentially resuming paused trade negotiations soon, with officials instructed to initiate talks promptly.
Prime Minister Carney acknowledged India’s growing global influence and its contributions, including in counter-terrorism efforts. Prime Minister Modi referenced the strong foundation laid during India’s G20 presidency as paving the way for discussions at the G7.
A Path Towards Normalization
The meeting represents a potential turning point, marked by positive public statements and the concrete step of restoring diplomatic representation. While challenges remain, including public expressions of dissent by Sikh protesters during Modi’s visit, the agreement to appoint new envoys and the commitment to renewed engagement signal a mutual desire to rebuild trust and momentum in the bilateral relationship after a period of deep strain. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact, indicating a commitment to continuing the process of improving ties.
