India and Canada are taking significant steps to restore their diplomatic relations, recently strained by the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil. In a key meeting, Canada’s Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.
Anita Anand’s Official Visit to India
This was Anand’s first official visit to India. Modi expressed hope that her visit would enhance bilateral ties. He emphasized the need to add “new momentum” to the partnership between the two nations.
Background of Tensions
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated in 2023. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India strongly denied. Following these allegations, both nations suspended visa services and expelled each other’s diplomats.
Key Developments from the Meeting
- Both countries announced plans to launch ministeriallevel discussions on trade and investment.
- A joint statement highlighted the importance of reviving economic cooperation to create new opportunities.
- The CanadaIndia CEO Forum will resume, aimed at increasing bilateral trade.
In a positive development, the two countries appointed new high commissioners to each other’s nations earlier this year. Anand and Jaishankar previously met during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
Outlook on Bilateral Relations
Jaishankar noted the progress in IndiaCanada relations over the past months, identifying Canada as a complementary economy. He stated that the shared values of diversity and pluralism serve as a solid foundation for a longstanding cooperative framework.
Anand reinforced the commitment to advancing the relationship, particularly regarding mutual interests in the IndoPacific region. She is also scheduled to meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss enhancing trade relations.
Future Engagements
After her meetings in India, Anand plans to travel to China and Singapore. This is part of Canada’s broader IndoPacific strategy, aimed at strengthening the country’s engagement in the region.
With steps underway to mend ties, both nations are hopeful for a more collaborative future. The developments are particularly noteworthy given Canada’s substantial Indianorigin population of nearly 1.7 million, as both countries work to strengthen their strategic partnership.