Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
Modi and Carney Reset Ties, Reappoint High Commissioners
India and Canada have officially begun mending their strained diplomatic relationship with a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada. The most significant outcome from the meeting was the mutual decision to reinstate their respective High Commissioners, signaling a willingness to move past nearly two years of diplomatic freeze.
India Canada ties
The agreement follows prolonged diplomatic tensions rooted in a 2023 controversy that saw Canada accuse India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The resulting fallout led to reciprocal expulsions of senior diplomats and an abrupt breakdown in bilateral communication. Now, both leaders have agreed to turn the page.
The reappointment of High Commissioners will restore regular diplomatic and consular operations, including visa services and bilateral support for citizens and businesses. Both sides also agreed to resume paused trade negotiations, with instructions sent to their respective ministries to fast-track renewed economic engagement.
G7 summit
This significant development came during Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade and his sixth appearance at a G7 summit. Carney acknowledged India’s growing global role, highlighting cooperation in emerging technologies, energy transition, clean tech, and counter-terrorism. Modi echoed these sentiments, underlining shared democratic values, commitment to the rule of law, and the strategic need for resilient supply chains and sustainable development.
Diplomatic reset
The return of formal diplomatic engagement aims not just to normalize relations but to reenergize cooperation across multiple domains. Strategic sectors such as food security, space technology, digital innovation, critical minerals, and green energy are expected to see renewed attention. The two sides have pledged to create a structured timeline for resumed trade discussions in the coming weeks.
This diplomatic thaw reflects broader geopolitical realignment and economic pragmatism. As both nations navigate a complex global environment, the reinstatement of envoys is seen as a critical confidence-building measure—and a step toward restoring long-term trust.
