After months of tense diplomatic ties, India and Canada have agreed to reinstate high commissioners in each other’s capitals. The resolution came after a “positive and constructive” interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the margins of the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the news. “The resumption of high commissioners is the beginning in calibrated steps to restore stability to this very important relationship,” Misri said in a video message.
He noted that the leaders talked about the significance of bolstering India-Canada ties, based on common democratic values, the rule of law, and flourishing people-to-people connections.
India and Canada Leaders Agree to Resume Diplomatic Dialogues
This decision to restore top diplomats is the first step in an overall blueprint to repair relations that had dived last year. Misri affirmed that the two countries would restart senior and working-level talks on numerous sectors such as trade, connectivity, and cultural cooperation in due course.
In consideration of the trade talks between the two nations, which are at the moment suspended, the two leaders also agreed to order their officials to take it up on an early date,” Misri stated, showing that attempts are being made to restart formal trade negotiations that have been suspended amidst tensions.
India-Canada relations hit a diplomatic low in 2023 when New Delhi recalled its high commissioner and expelled five Canadian diplomats. Ottawa attributed the murder of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to Indian officials, prompting India to vehemently reject the claim and take action in response.
Canada’s Statement Affirms Focus on Bilateral Relations
Canada issued an official statement after the meeting, maintaining a similar tone. It stated, “The discussion reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The Canadian side confirmed that both countries have agreed to appoint new high commissioners and resume normal consular services for nationals and businesses.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also spoke of matters on the G7 agenda, such as transnational crime, international security, and the rules-based international order.