Amidst a period of strained bilateral relations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. This interaction marks the first formal discussion between the two ministers after a significant diplomatic downturn between India and Canada. The meeting, held in Germany, focused on addressing the "present state" of bilateral ties and exchanging perspectives on pressing global issues.
The relationship between India and Canada has been under considerable strain following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, on Canadian soil in June 2023. India has vehemently rejected these accusations, dismissing them as "absurd and motivated." Nijjar had been designated as a terrorist by India in 2020.
In the wake of Trudeau's allegations, diplomatic tensions escalated, leading to reciprocal actions from both countries, including the expulsion of diplomats. India also temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens. These measures have significantly impacted people-to-people exchanges and economic collaborations, which have historically been strong pillars of the India-Canada relationship.
During the meeting in Munich, both ministers acknowledged the need to address the current challenges in the relationship. While details of the conversation remain limited, it is understood that the discussion covered a range of issues, including the concerns surrounding the investigation into Nijjar's death and the broader implications for bilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar, in a post on X, conveyed that the conversation with Joly understandably focused on the current state of bilateral ties and that it was also useful to exchange views on the global situation. Joly also acknowledged the meeting on X, describing it as a frank discussion on Canada-India relations and current global issues, including Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Beyond the bilateral concerns, the ministers also discussed various global challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in West Asia, and developments in the Indo-Pacific region. These discussions highlight the importance of continued dialogue between India and Canada on matters of international peace and security, despite the current strains in their relationship.
The meeting between Jaishankar and Joly is viewed as a crucial first step towards de-escalation and potential recalibration of the India-Canada relationship. Both countries have significant strategic interests in maintaining a stable and productive partnership. Canada seeks to diversify its trade relationships and enhance its engagement in the Indo-Pacific, while India views Canada as an important partner in its economic growth and global outreach.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate the complex challenges in their relationship. Further discussions and concrete steps will be necessary to address the underlying issues and rebuild trust. However, the initial conversation between Jaishankar and Joly offers a glimmer of hope that both sides are committed to finding a way forward, recognizing the long-term benefits of a strong and cooperative India-Canada relationship.
