India and Canada conducted pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on Friday, signaling a mutual interest in mending and strengthening bilateral ties. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (East) P Kumaran, while the Canadian side was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison.

These pre-consultations follow a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June. The discussions in New Delhi provided an opportunity for both sides to review the current state of India-Canada relations and to exchange views on international and regional matters.

Both India and Canada have reaffirmed the importance of their bilateral ties, emphasizing that these connections are built upon shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also acknowledged and welcomed the progress that has been made since June, including the return of High Commissioners to their respective capitals.

In line with the understanding reached between the two Prime Ministers to restore stability in the relationship and pursue a constructive and balanced partnership, both sides have agreed to take the necessary steps to reactivate bilateral dialogue mechanisms across various domains. These domains include trade, defense, energy, civil nuclear cooperation, security and law enforcement, critical minerals, space, science and technology, and agriculture.

To further support strong people-to-people connections and expand economic opportunities between the two countries, India and Canada have also decided to constructively address capacity-related issues at their respective Missions and Consulates. In addition to the pre-FOC, Deputy Foreign Minister Morrison met separately with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Ties between India and Canada have experienced strains, particularly after allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister regarding the Indian government's involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These tensions have also been fueled by disagreements related to the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement. The recent consultations indicate a desire to move past these challenges and rebuild a more stable and productive relationship.

Despite the recent strains, there are strong economic and cultural ties between India and Canada. In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with a total two-way trade of $30.9 billion. Canada is also a popular destination for Indian immigrants, with over 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin as of 2021.

The pre-Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi represent a positive step towards mending relations and exploring future collaborations between India and Canada. By addressing areas of concern and focusing on shared interests, both countries aim to build a stronger and more resilient partnership.