India, Canada Begin Diplomatic Reset as Jaishankar Speaks with New Canadian Foreign Minister

India and Canada Reignite Diplomatic Ties with First High-Level Talks Since Trudeau Exit

In a significant diplomatic development, India and Canada have opened a fresh chapter in their bilateral relations, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holding a phone conversation on Sunday with Anita Anand, Canada’s newly appointed Foreign Minister.

This marks the first formal political engagement between the two countries since Mark Carney took office as Canada’s Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau, whose tenure was marred by a severe downturn in ties with New Delhi.

“Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure,” Jaishankar shared on X, expressing cautious optimism over rebuilding trust and cooperation.

Anand, 58, who is of Indian origin and a senior member of the Liberal Party, called the discussion “productive” and emphasized the goal of deepening economic cooperation and advancing shared priorities. In a symbolic move reflecting her roots, she took the oath of office earlier this month with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita.

Tensions between the two nations spiked in September 2023 after then-Prime Minister Trudeau alleged that Indian agents may have been involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India called the accusation “absurd and politically motivated” and criticized Canada for becoming a haven for extremist elements.

The diplomatic fallout escalated, with both countries expelling senior diplomats, including India’s then High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, and halting official engagements.

However, recent developments suggest a willingness to mend fences. Security-level dialogue resumed earlier this year, and there are ongoing discussions around appointing new high commissioners in New Delhi and Ottawa.

Following Trudeau’s departure, India reiterated its desire to rebuild ties based on “mutual trust and sensitivity.” Sunday’s conversation is widely seen as a positive first step in reviving a strained yet strategically important relationship.