After a period of strained relations, Canada and India are taking steps to normalize ties, with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand expected to visit New Delhi next month. This would be the first bilateral visit by a foreign minister from either country since relations deteriorated in 2023.
The thaw in relations follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, in June. That meeting led to the return of high commissioners to each other's capitals earlier this month. High-level bilateral exchanges have also resumed, with Canadian National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison visiting India in September.
India and Canada have appointed veteran diplomats, Dinesh Patnaik and Christopher Cooter respectively, as high commissioners. Anand has stated that Canada supports a step-by-step approach to deepening diplomatic engagement and advancing bilateral cooperation with India. India is seeking a constructive and balanced relationship based on respect for each other's concerns and sensitivities.
Recent talks between India's foreign ministry and Global Affairs Canada reaffirmed the importance of India-Canada ties, based on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides have agreed to resume bilateral dialogue across key sectors like trade, defense, energy, civil nuclear, security, law enforcement, and critical minerals.
The relationship between Canada and India faced challenges after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in 2023 about the Indian government's role in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This led to a diplomatic standoff, with both countries expelling diplomatic staff and advising their citizens against traveling to the other. However, with a new government in Canada, efforts have been made to repair the strained relationship.
Despite the diplomatic challenges, economic and cultural connections between the two countries have remained resilient. In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade reaching $30.9 billion. Canada's merchandise exports to India were $5.3 billion, an increase of 3.3% from 2023. Top exports included vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, and wood pulp. Canada's merchandise imports from India amounted to $8.0 billion, a 6.6% increase from 2023, with pharmaceutical products, machinery, and electronics being the top imports.
Both countries are working to strengthen collaboration in areas such as researcher mobility, nanotechnology, health research, sustainable infrastructure, and clean technology. Canada's commercial priorities in India include agriculture and value-added food, clean technology, digital industries/AI, and infrastructure.
Canada and India have a longstanding relationship with over 75 years of diplomatic ties. In 2018, the bilateral relationship was formally designated as a “Strategic Partnership”. As of 2021, there are more than 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin. India is also Canada's largest source country for most immigration categories, including 392,810 study permit holders in 2024.
The upcoming visit by Foreign Minister Anand signifies a commitment from both sides to move forward and strengthen their partnership.
