India and Canada have taken significant strides towards mending their strained diplomatic relationship that stemmed from the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which led to mutual expulsions of diplomats.
India and Canada Seek Reconciliation After Diplomatic Crisis
India and Canada Seek Reconciliation After Diplomatic Crisis
Tensions ease as Prime Ministers Modi and Carney announce plans for improved relations and renewed engagement.
In a notable shift on June 18, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed their commitment to reestablishing diplomatic ties during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Both nations outlined new initiatives, including appointing high commissioners and resuming trade talks, in an effort to rebuild lost trust.
The strain between India and Canada began after accusations surfaced from Canada's previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleging Indian involvement in the murder of Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist advocate. India quickly refuted the claim, labeling Nijjar a terrorist and suggesting that Canada's government was protecting radical elements. This controversy led to a significant downturn in trade and disrupted services like visa processing.
In a wave of retaliatory actions following the allegations, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats, which prompted India to respond in kind, exacerbating the diplomatic standoff. However, with the recent leadership change in Canada and the arrival of Prime Minister Carney, experts see a potential window for both nations to reengage more positively.
Leaders from both sides refrained from explicitly mentioning the past disagreements in their statements but expressed mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and diplomatic dialogues to address shared concerns. The current climate suggests an optimistic outlook towards revitalizing trade and fostering relationships which are crucial, given the significant Sikh population in Canada.
As both nations aim to move forward, there is cautious optimism regarding the trajectory of India-Canada relations.
Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed reporting. Anupreeta Das covers India and South Asia for The Times, based in New Delhi.
The strain between India and Canada began after accusations surfaced from Canada's previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleging Indian involvement in the murder of Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist advocate. India quickly refuted the claim, labeling Nijjar a terrorist and suggesting that Canada's government was protecting radical elements. This controversy led to a significant downturn in trade and disrupted services like visa processing.
In a wave of retaliatory actions following the allegations, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats, which prompted India to respond in kind, exacerbating the diplomatic standoff. However, with the recent leadership change in Canada and the arrival of Prime Minister Carney, experts see a potential window for both nations to reengage more positively.
Leaders from both sides refrained from explicitly mentioning the past disagreements in their statements but expressed mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and diplomatic dialogues to address shared concerns. The current climate suggests an optimistic outlook towards revitalizing trade and fostering relationships which are crucial, given the significant Sikh population in Canada.
As both nations aim to move forward, there is cautious optimism regarding the trajectory of India-Canada relations.
Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed reporting. Anupreeta Das covers India and South Asia for The Times, based in New Delhi.
