Background of the Diplomatic Strain
In June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader and Canadian citizen, was assassinated near Vancouver. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in Nijjar’s killing, leading to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations. Both nations expelled each other’s diplomats, suspended visa services, and experienced heightened tensions over the next two years.
Steps Toward Reconciliation
The process of mending ties began in June 2025, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Alberta. This marked their first bilateral dialogue since the 2023 incident. Both leaders agreed to appoint new high commissioners and emphasized mutual respect and territorial sovereignty as foundations for rebuilding the relationship.
In August 2025, Canada appointed veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as its new high commissioner to India, while India named Dinesh K. Patnaik as its envoy to Canada. These appointments signaled a commitment to restoring full diplomatic services and improving bilateral relations.
Recent Developments
On October 13, 2025, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand met in New Delhi to further solidify the renewed partnership. They announced a new roadmap aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchange. This development underscores a mutual commitment to cooperation and improved diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Future Prospects
The restoration of diplomatic services and the establishment of a new roadmap for cooperation indicate a positive trajectory for India-Canada relations. Both countries have expressed a desire to move past previous tensions and work collaboratively on shared interests, including economic growth, technological innovation, and global security.
