The G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, has served as the backdrop for a significant development in international relations: India and Canada have agreed to reappoint high commissioners to each other's countries, signaling a thaw in relations that have been strained in recent years. This decision came during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday, marking their first face-to-face interaction since Carney assumed office in May 2025.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of India-Canada ties. PM Modi described the relations as "extremely important," emphasizing the potential for collaboration across various sectors for the benefit of humanity. PM Carney echoed this sentiment, highlighting India's importance on the world stage and the significance of addressing global issues together.
The agreement to reinstate high commissioners is a crucial step toward normalizing diplomatic relations. The positions have remained vacant since October 2024, when both countries expelled diplomats following allegations of Indian government involvement in a targeted campaign against Canadian citizens, including the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist. The reappointments aim to restore regular diplomatic services for citizens and businesses in both nations.
During the meeting, PM Carney raised key priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order. He also emphasized the importance of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. Discussions also touched upon strengthening commercial links, supply chains, and energy cooperation. Areas like trade, energy, space, clean energy, critical minerals, and fertilizers offer immense potential for collaboration. Bilateral trade in goods in 2024 stood at USD 8.6 billion, while trade in services stood at USD 14.3 billion, indicating significant opportunities for growth.
PM Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit marks his first in ten years and his sixth consecutive appearance at the summit as a guest country. This invitation from PM Carney is seen as a significant gesture, indicating the new Canadian government's intent to repair relations with India. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with other global leaders. The decision to reappoint high commissioners and the discussions held at the G7 Summit signal a positive shift in India-Canada relations. By addressing past grievances and focusing on areas of mutual interest, both countries aim to rebuild trust and strengthen their partnership for the future.
