Alberta: In a significant step towards mending a strained relationship, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, held a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Both leaders acknowledged the critical importance of India-Canada relations and pledged to work towards restoring diplomatic ties that have been significantly impacted by the contentious issue surrounding the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The meeting, described by Prime Minister Carney as "foundational" and a "necessary first step," saw both leaders agree to reinstate their respective High Commissioners. This decision marks a tangible effort to move past the bitter diplomatic freeze that began last year when Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, publicly alleged potential Indian government involvement in Nijjar's killing on Canadian soil. The dispute had led to the expulsion of diplomats and significant disruptions to services for citizens and businesses in both countries.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that "The relationship between India and Canada is very important in many ways," expressing confidence that "together India and Canada will work together to make progress in many areas." While welcoming Modi to the G7, Canadian Prime Minister Carney made a veiled reference to the sensitive past by mentioning "transnational repression," but underscored his desire to collaborate on shared global challenges, including energy security, the future of artificial intelligence, and the fight against terrorism.
The bilateral talks, held during India's participation as a guest at the G7 Summit, signal a pragmatic shift towards normalizing relations. The two sides discussed their strong historical people-to-people ties, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links spanning economic growth, supply chains, and the energy transition. Modi highlighted India's global initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, stressing the need for sustainable energy pathways.
While the agreement to restore high commissioners is a clear sign of de-escalation, the path forward is likely to be measured. The Nijjar issue remains a domestically sensitive topic in Canada, and the nuances of "transnational repression" will likely continue to be part of ongoing discussions. However, for now, the leaders have pressed a "reset button," allowing robust economic and geopolitical interests to potentially guide a step-by-step stabilization and rebuilding of a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and shared values.