Diplomatic Thaw Between India and Canada Following Two-Year Rift

India and Canada have agreed to mend their strained diplomatic ties, appointing new ambassadors and resuming trade discussions, following a rift sparked by the controversial killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development comes in light of recent political changes in Canada, as Mark Carney takes over the leadership from Justin Trudeau.

India and Canada have signaled a notable diplomatic thaw nearly two years after a rift erupted over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist in Canada. After months of escalating tensions, which resulted in both countries expelling senior diplomats, the leaders of the two nations have agreed to restore various avenues of diplomatic engagement and services for their citizens.

During a recent meeting at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed ways to improve relations. Both leaders announced intentions to appoint new high commissioners, resume trade talks, and restore visa processing for citizens in their respective countries. This represents a turning point after a significant diplomatic fallout that saw trade and travel services between the two nations noticeably decline.

The deterioration in relations began in September 2023, when the Canadian government, under then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accused India of being involved in the murder of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen believed to support the call for a separate Sikh state known as Khalistan. Nijjar was shot dead in British Columbia in June 2023, prompting India to label him a terrorist and contest the legitimacy of Canada’s claims. The Indian government accused Canada of providing refuge to extremists, alleging politically motivated decisions by Trudeau to gain support from Sikh Canadians, who largely contribute to his Liberal Party’s base.

As tensions increased, trade talks stalled, and Canada expelled India’s high commissioner along with several diplomats, leading to retaliatory measures from India. The recent resignation of Trudeau and the election of Carney, who is seen as a more centrist figure, presents a potential opportunity for both countries to reset their diplomatic relations.

In light of these developments, officials have indicated that bilateral discussions at various levels, including ministerial engagement, will likely resume, as both countries aim to rebuild trust and enhance collaboration across diverse sectors. However, neither side has publicly addressed the contentious issues that previously caused the breakdown in relations, suggesting that further dialogue will be crucial as they move forward.