Amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. This meeting signifies a crucial step towards mending strained relations between India and Canada, which are deemed "important in many ways" by PM Modi. The Prime Minister's visit to Canada for the G7 summit marks his first in a decade, highlighting the significance of this engagement.

PM Modi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Carney for inviting India to the G7 Summit, acknowledging the opportunity to reconnect with the Canadian people after his last visit in 2015. He emphasized the strong investment ties between the two nations, noting that many Canadian companies have invested in India, and vice versa. This economic interdependence underscores the need for a stable and thriving bilateral relationship.

The meeting between the two leaders takes place against a backdrop of recent tensions. Relations between India and Canada experienced a downturn following allegations made by the former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September 2023, which linked Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India firmly rejected these claims as "absurd" and accused Canada of providing a haven for separatist and extremist elements. Consequently, both countries expelled diplomats and scaled back diplomatic engagement, leading to a historic low in their relationship.

Despite these challenges, there have been concerted efforts to rebuild trust and foster cooperation. Even before the G7 invitation, both sides had quietly begun laying the groundwork to repair ties. The arrival of Mark Carney as Prime Minister of Canada has presented a fresh opportunity for political engagement. Quiet diplomacy and Track II conversations have also played a role in preparing for re-engagement. The recent phone conversation between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, further underscores the mutual desire to find a way forward.

Several factors highlight the importance of India-Canada relations. Firstly, both nations share democratic values and a commitment to strengthening democracy and humanity. Secondly, India is a critical partner in Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which recognizes India's significance in achieving Canada's objectives in the region. Thirdly, a large Indian diaspora resides in Canada, contributing to the country's cultural and economic landscape. The presence of this diaspora strengthens the people-to-people ties between the two nations.

At the G7 Summit, PM Modi is expected to highlight the priorities of the Global South and participate in bilateral meetings with leaders from Germany, Ukraine and Italy. Discussions will encompass crucial global issues such as energy security, technology, and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and quantum-related issues. India's participation in the G7 Summit as an outreach guest country for the sixth consecutive time underscores its growing importance on the world stage.

Looking ahead, several steps can be taken to further strengthen India-Canada relations. Appointing new High Commissioners and restoring full diplomatic missions would send a strong signal that the relationship is back on track. Reopening trade talks and pursuing an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) can lead to deeper trade engagement and tangible benefits for both countries. Addressing security concerns related to extremist elements and criminal networks operating from Canadian soil is also crucial for building trust and stability.

While challenges remain, the meeting between PM Modi and Prime Minister Carney at the G7 Summit represents a positive step towards mending strained relations and fostering a more durable and forward-looking partnership between India and Canada. The potential for economic cooperation, strengthened diplomatic ties, and a renewed focus on shared values offer a promising outlook for the future of India-Canada relations.