June 18, 2025 — Kananaskis, Alberta – In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and his Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced plans to restore full diplomatic relations during their meeting at the G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June 17 and 18. Resetting Relations after Two Years of TensionThis marks the first bilateral discussion between the two leaders since Canada’s 2023 accusations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil—a charge New Delhi has strongly denied. The subsequent expulsion of diplomats and a breakdown in high-level engagement set bilateral relations on a downward spiral. Key Agreements • Reappointment of High Commissioners: Both nations consented to restore their top diplomatic envoys in Ottawa and New Delhi, a crucial step toward reviving regular consular services for citizens and businesses. • Resumption of Senior-Level Dialogues: The two sides agreed to resume structured talks covering trade, people-to-people exchange, connectivity, and negotiations to reopen paused trade discussions. • Collaboration Across Multiple Sectors: The agenda for future cooperation now includes clean energy, digital infrastructure, AI, food security, and critical minerals—aligning with shared global and economic priorities. Leaders’ MessagesPM Modi described their meeting as “excellent,” emphasizing that both nations are connected by “a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law.” He highlighted the partnership’s immense potential in energy, space, fertilizers, and more. PM Carney echoed the sentiment, calling it “my great honour to have you here,” and noted India’s role in global supply chains and the pressing need to address transnational repression, security, and the rules-based international order. ContextEarlier tensions peaked in late 2023, triggered by Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder, leading to diplomatic expulsions and the shutdown of services on both sides. This reset comes after a quieter diplomatic thaw earlier in the year. Potential ImpactsRestoring high commissioners should reopen essential consular operations, benefiting millions of students, temporary workers, and firms. Trade is expected to receive fresh impetus, particularly for Canadian agricultural exports like lentils, and could strengthen cooperation on global supply chains and emerging technologies. Protests and Public ResponseModi’s presence sparked protests from Canada’s Sikh community, some of whom expressed strong opposition by tearing down Indian flags in Calgary—underscoring lingering domestic concerns despite official overtures. ⸻OutlookThe announcement signals the beginning of a calibrated diplomatic restoration. With high commissioners set to return and dialogues set to resume, as well as joint action across multiple strategic sectors, both nations appear poised for a constructive revival of bilateral ties.
