Canadian Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Indian Leader Modi During Warming Diplomatic Ties
The Canadian top diplomat has arrived in the Asian nation during this first official visit as the two countries take additional steps to revive relations that had plummeted following the killing of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.
On Monday, the Canadian diplomat held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed that the visit would enhance "efforts to provide renewed energy to the partnership between India and Canada".
Additionally, she met with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, following which Delhi and Ottawa disclosed a series of measures to strengthen their relationship, including starting ministerial-level discussions regarding economic cooperation.
The visit marks a significant moment for the countries following relations reached their lowest point in 2023.
In considering Canada, we recognize an economy that complements ours. We observe a fellow open society. We notice diversity and pluralism,
During that September, the former PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement of being linked to the murder of community activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, sparking major diplomatic tensions. The Indian government strongly refuted the allegations and bilateral ties hit rock bottom as both countries suspended visa services and recalled senior diplomats.
Canada is home to approximately 1.7 million individuals with Indian heritage and the developments were being watched anxiously in both countries.
However signs of a thaw have appeared recently after Canada's new leader assumed office.
During June, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines the Group of Seven meeting held in Canada. Subsequently, the countries assigned new high commissioners to each other's countries.
The foreign ministers also met on the sidelines the UNGA session in New York in September.
On Monday, India's External Affairs Minister commented that India-Canada bilateral relations have shown consistent improvement in the last few months.
He added that these factors constituted "the foundation for a close sustainable and long-term cooperative framework".
"Both nations are dedicated to advancing this relationship both presently and going forward, particularly regarding shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific," Anand stated.
Both nations are restarting the bilateral business forum, facilitating meetings between business leaders from both countries to increase bilateral trade and investment. The announcement comes as Delhi addresses the pressure of a hefty 50% tariff levied by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods.
The Canadian minister is also set to meet India's Commerce Minister Mr. Goyal to discuss boosting trade ties. Her itinerary includes India's financial capital to address business leaders regarding investment opportunities and commercial prospects.
She will then travel to Asian nations under Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy that focuses on expanding Canadian involvement across the Asia-Pacific.
