India and Canada have taken significant steps to mend their strained diplomatic relations during high-level talks in Delhi. The discussions, led by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on rebuilding trust and fostering economic collaboration. The relationship between the two nations had deteriorated sharply in 2023 following Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India vehemently denied. The fallout led to visa suspensions and the expulsion of diplomats, creating a diplomatic impasse. However, recent developments under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have signaled a thaw. In June, Carney and Modi met during the G7 summit, and both countries subsequently appointed new high commissioners. The latest talks in Delhi resulted in a joint commitment to resume the Canada–India CEO Forum, aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Anand’s visit also includes meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and engagements with business leaders in Mumbai. The two nations emphasized their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, viewing the revival of their partnership as a strategic move to counter global uncertainties. Anand’s subsequent visits to China and Singapore underscore Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
