India, Canada Reset Ties After Modi-Carney G7 Meet: ‘Connected by Democracy, Freedom’
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to revive bilateral relations during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on Tuesday.
The meeting marked the first face-to-face engagement between Indian and Canadian leaders since a deep diplomatic crisis erupted in 2023 over the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The fallout had led to the expulsion of diplomats on both sides and a near-complete breakdown of communication.
During the talks, both leaders emphasised the “shared democratic values” that bind the two nations and agreed to collaborate across critical sectors including trade, clean energy, space, and artificial intelligence. PM Modi posted on X after the meeting, stating, “India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law.” He also praised Canada’s successful hosting of the G7 Summit.
Modi congratulated Carney on his electoral victory and expressed confidence that the two countries would “progress together” in the coming period. Carney reciprocated warmly, saying it was “a great honour” to host the Indian Prime Minister and lauded India’s growing leadership in energy transition, AI, and counter-terrorism.
This diplomatic thaw comes amid broader international concern over state-led actions beyond borders. The G7 summit concluded with a joint communique denouncing “transnational repression,” a term that has gained attention after allegations linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s assassination. Though not named, India was previously under intense scrutiny from Canadian authorities over the issue.
The Modi-Carney meeting is widely seen as a key signal of de-escalation, with both sides now likely to resume stalled trade talks and deepen strategic engagement. Many Canadian companies have major investments in India, and the Indian diaspora constitutes a significant population in Canada, further underscoring the importance of restored ties.
India has consistently denied any involvement in the Nijjar case, calling Canada’s claims “absurd and politically motivated.” With a new administration in Ottawa, the tone has shifted towards constructive engagement.
Carney, in his own statement on X, highlighted “mutual respect and the rule of law” as the foundation of the renewed relationship, calling for economic cooperation in key areas.
