Canadian Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Indian Leader Modi Amid Warming Diplomatic Ties

High-Level Talks Involving Canada's Top Diplomat and Indian Leader
Canada's Foreign Minister alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi

Canada's foreign minister has arrived in India during this first official visit while both nations implement further measures to revive ties that had plummeted after the killing of a Sikh separatist leader within Canada's borders.

On Monday, the Canadian diplomat met with India's premier, who expressed that the visit would strengthen "efforts to provide new momentum to the partnership between India and Canada".

She also convened with her Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, after which both governments announced multiple steps to bolster bilateral ties, such as initiating high-level talks on bilateral trade and investment.

This diplomatic mission represents a milestone in bilateral relations following diplomatic ties hit an all-time low in 2023.

When we look at Canada, we recognize an economy that complements ours. We see a fellow open society. We notice cultural diversity,

— India's External Affairs Minister

In September that year, then prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in connection to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, sparking a diplomatic firestorm. India strongly refuted these claims and bilateral ties hit rock bottom when the two nations halted visa processing and expelled each other's top diplomats.

Canada is home to approximately 1.7 million individuals with Indian heritage and the developments were being watched anxiously in both countries.

However signs of a thaw have appeared recently after Prime Minister Mark Carney assumed office.

Bilateral Meeting Between Canada's and Indian Top Diplomats
Anand also met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during her visit

In June, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines the G7 summit held in Canada. Two months later, both nations appointed new high commissioners between their capitals.

The foreign ministers additionally convened during the UNGA session at UN headquarters this past autumn.

On Monday, India's External Affairs Minister commented that the relationship between the two countries have shown consistent improvement in the last few months.

He added that this was "the foundation for a strong, lasting and long-term cooperative framework".

"Both nations are dedicated to advancing this relationship both presently and going forward, particularly regarding our mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific," the Canadian minister remarked.

The two countries will resume the bilateral business forum, which brings together business leaders of both nations to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The announcement coincides with Delhi deals with the strain of a hefty 50% tariff levied by the American administration against Indian products.

Anand is also set to meet the Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal for talks on boosting trade ties. She will visit Mumbai to speak to business leaders about investments and commercial prospects.

Subsequently, she will proceed to China and Singapore as part of Canada's regional policy that emphasizes deepening Canadian involvement in the region.

Tammie Figueroa
Tammie Figueroa

Lena is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.