India and Canada have announced a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at mending ties that deteriorated following the killing of a Sikh activist.
India and Canada Seek to Rebuild Relations Following Sikh Activist's Killing
India and Canada Seek to Rebuild Relations Following Sikh Activist's Killing
Efforts to restore diplomatic relations come after a prolonged tension sparked by the 2023 murder of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In a pivotal development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada recently met at the G7 summit, marking the start of a potential reconciliation between the two nations. Both countries acknowledged the need to restore normal diplomatic functions, including the appointment of new ambassadors and the resumption of trade discussions.
Two years ago, relations soured drastically after Canada accused India of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and vocal proponent of the Sikh separatist movement advocating for Khalistan. Nijjar was shot dead in British Columbia in June 2023, leading to a series of diplomatic expulsions between the two countries, with Canada expelling several Indian diplomats, labeling them "persons of interest" in the case, while India responded in kind by ousting Canadian diplomats.
The recent meeting at the G7 summit, where Modi was a guest, has opened avenues for dialogue to improve bilateral ties. Both leaders expressed a commitment to restart trade relations and visa processing, thus aiming to rebuild the trust that had diminished over the past years as tensions escalated.
Despite these positive steps, it’s notable that neither country publicly acknowledged the historical grievances that led to this diplomatic cooling which began with Trudeau's allegations against India. The election of Mark Carney, a well-respected figure, has introduced a potentially more favorable atmosphere for negotiation and cooperation moving forward.
As both nations seek to move past this turbulent chapter, the international community will be watching closely to see if this thaw in relations will lead to sustained collaboration and understanding.
Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed to this report. Anupreeta Das covers South Asia for RTW News from New Delhi.
Two years ago, relations soured drastically after Canada accused India of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and vocal proponent of the Sikh separatist movement advocating for Khalistan. Nijjar was shot dead in British Columbia in June 2023, leading to a series of diplomatic expulsions between the two countries, with Canada expelling several Indian diplomats, labeling them "persons of interest" in the case, while India responded in kind by ousting Canadian diplomats.
The recent meeting at the G7 summit, where Modi was a guest, has opened avenues for dialogue to improve bilateral ties. Both leaders expressed a commitment to restart trade relations and visa processing, thus aiming to rebuild the trust that had diminished over the past years as tensions escalated.
Despite these positive steps, it’s notable that neither country publicly acknowledged the historical grievances that led to this diplomatic cooling which began with Trudeau's allegations against India. The election of Mark Carney, a well-respected figure, has introduced a potentially more favorable atmosphere for negotiation and cooperation moving forward.
As both nations seek to move past this turbulent chapter, the international community will be watching closely to see if this thaw in relations will lead to sustained collaboration and understanding.
Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed to this report. Anupreeta Das covers South Asia for RTW News from New Delhi.
