Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met on the sidelines of the Group of 7 summit in Alberta, Canada, signaling a potential reset in relations that have been strained since the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This meeting is an important move towards restoring diplomatic relations. It arrives almost two years after the Canadian government publicly accused India of perpetrating Nijjar’s murder, something that Indian officials have repeatedly rejected as “absurd and motivated.”
During their meeting, Carney expressed that it was a “great honor” to host Modi at the summit, despite India not being a G7 member. Kerry stressed the need to bring Modi into discussion on “big challenges” facing the global community. Following their deliberations, both leaders for the first time decided to resume high commissions in their respective capitals. This judgment displays their deep dedication to enhancing bilateral relations.
This diplomatic engagement all occurs against a shocking backdrop. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a dual national of India and Canada and an organizer for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, was killed. Nijjar was gunned down outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June of this year. In response to the allegations over this particular case, Canadian authorities stated that they were sharing evidence with Indian officials. New Delhi welcomed such a declaration with mistrust.
Indian government officials have vigorously denied the existence of any evidence connecting them to Nijjar’s assassination. Over the course of these investigations, they have rebutted the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. This incident has escalated strains between India and Canada. It underscores the often argumentative, sometimes hostile dynamics of their relationship and the difficulty both nations face in making the US-China relationship work.
Modi went on social media platform X after the meeting to discuss his optimism around improving India-Canada relations.
“Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom, and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship.” – Narendra Modi
The leaders welcomed announcements on expanding partnerships and increasing collaboration with like-minded partners in key areas including technology, food security, and critical minerals. This agenda belies a shared desire to strengthen economic relations and cooperate on a host of issues of growing global concern.
Mark Carney acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings that challenge the allegations brought against India. He urged members to be careful not to trip over their own rhetoric in doing so.
“There is a judicial process that’s underway, and I need to be careful about further commentary.” – Mark Carney
Reopening high commissions would be an equally strong confidence-building step. Most importantly, it seeks to strengthen dialogue and partnership between India and Canada. Analysts consider this measure as the first step in the right direction. The guidance begins to repair the relationship that grew more fraught under the previous administration.
