After a lengthy standoff connected to the murder of a Canadian Sikh separatist leader, India and Canada are now taking steps to resume regular diplomatic engagement after almost two years of tense relations and diplomatic expulsions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in person during the recently concluded G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, as a major act of reconciliation. Since the two countries’ relations soured in late 2023, the meeting was the first high-level bilateral interaction between them.
In an attempt to completely restore diplomatic representation, the leaders decided to name new high commissioners, the Commonwealth countries’ equivalent of ambassadors, according to a statement released by Carney’s office.
The thaw in relations comes after a bitter dispute that began when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly claimed that Indian government agents were responsible for the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and well-known supporter of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in Punjab, India. After Nijjar was shot dead in June 2023 outside a gurdwara in British Columbia, Ottawa began a high-profile investigation that heightened tensions.
Both nations expelled a number of senior diplomats as the diplomatic crisis worsened. Six Indian officials, including the country’s high commissioner at the time, were expelled by Canada on charges of waging a targeted campaign against Canadians.
In retaliation, India called for Canada’s acting high commissioner to formally protest what it called “interference” in its internal affairs and ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats. Canada also reduced its in-person consular services in India, closing its missions outside of New Delhi due to operational constraints and safety concerns.
India accused Canada of providing safe haven to Sikh separatists and denied any role in Nijjar’s murder on several occasions during the crisis. The Indian government insisted that people and organizations advocating secessionist ideas that were antagonistic to Indian sovereignty were abusing political space in Canada.
Both parties characterized Tuesday’s meeting between Carney and Modi as productive despite the ongoing mistrust. Speaking to reporters following the discussion, Carney described the conversation as “foundational”—an honest and transparent discussion centered on law enforcement collaboration and worries about transnational repression. He underlined that the meeting was a crucial first step in restoring confidence and restated Canada’s adherence to the values of respect for one another and sovereignty.
There has been some controversy surrounding the diplomatic reset. Sikhs in Canada protested Modi’s visit, especially in Calgary, where protesters tore Indian flags and put up offensive pictures of the Indian leader dressed like a prisoner. The demonstrations are a reflection of the ongoing unhappiness among the sizable Sikh diaspora in Canada, many of whom have voiced their annoyance at the lack of accountability in Nijjar’s case.
However, a return to normalcy seems to be a top priority for both governments. The decision to reinstate full diplomatic missions was made “with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,” according to a statement from Carney’s office. India is a major source of temporary workers and international students for Canada, which has strong social and economic incentives to keep the relationship going. For its part, India views Canada as a major voice in multilateral forums and a valuable trading partner.
After the meeting, Modi posted on social media to say how pleased he was with the conversation, pointing out that Canada and India share democratic values and a dedication to freedom and the rule of law. Carney agreed, saying he hoped the renewed engagement would lay the groundwork for a future relationship that is more respectful and stable.
The decision to reestablish diplomatic ties is a practical step forward, even though it does not address all of the underlying tensions. Despite ongoing difficulties, both leaders seem determined to mend fences. For the time being, the selection of new high commissioners represents a calculated and symbolic attempt to put the animosity behind them and resume a more cooperative course.