India-Canada begin diplomatic reset
India and Canada have taken a significant step toward repairing their strained diplomatic relationship, with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirming a recent conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand.
The phone call, held late on Sunday, marks the most senior-level engagement between the two countries since Mark Carney assumed office as Canada’s Prime Minister in March.
Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa deteriorated sharply following allegations in 2023 that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and vocal proponent of the Khalistan separatist movement. India has strongly rejected the accusations.
Jaishankar stated that he had "discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties" during his conversation with Anand and extended his best wishes for her tenure as foreign minister.
Anita Anand, who has Indian heritage, expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said she looked forward to "strengthening Canada–India relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and advancing common priorities."
Canada hosts the largest Sikh diaspora outside of India, including supporters of the Khalistan movement, which calls for an independent Sikh state in northern India. This issue has long been a point of contention in Canada-India relations.
The fallout from the Nijjar case led to a diplomatic standoff last year, with both countries expelling senior diplomats. The recent communication between foreign ministers signals a potential thaw and a willingness to move forward.
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