The recent G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, has become a focal point for international relations, particularly concerning the path towards mending ties between Canada and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance and bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have signaled a potential turning point after a period of strained relations.
The core issue stemmed from allegations made by the previous Canadian administration, under Justin Trudeau, regarding the Indian government's involvement in the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. These allegations, which India has vehemently denied, led to a diplomatic fallout, including the expulsion of diplomats from both countries and a freeze in high-level discussions.
However, with Mark Carney assuming the role of Canadian Prime Minister in March 2025, a window for reconciliation emerged. Carney's invitation to Modi to attend the G7 Summit was viewed as a deliberate step towards rebuilding trust and fostering dialogue.
The bilateral meeting between Modi and Carney on the sidelines of the summit produced tangible results. Both leaders agreed to appoint new High Commissioners to their respective countries, a move aimed at restoring regular diplomatic services for citizens and businesses. This decision is particularly significant as the absence of High Commissioners has hampered various aspects of bilateral cooperation and people-to-people interactions.
Beyond the symbolic gesture of re-establishing diplomatic representation, the two leaders also addressed key areas of mutual interest. Discussions revolved around strengthening trade relations, with both sides expressing a desire to resume negotiations on the stalled Early Progress Trade Agreement, potentially paving the way for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Other areas of cooperation included clean energy, technology, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, food security, and critical minerals.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of their countries' shared values, including democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Modi noted the strong economic links between the two nations, highlighting investments made by Canadian companies in India and vice versa. He also expressed gratitude to Carney for inviting India to the G7 Summit, acknowledging the importance of India's role in addressing global challenges. Carney, in turn, raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order, signaling a commitment to addressing sensitive issues while seeking to improve relations.
While the agreement to reinstate High Commissioners and resume discussions on trade and other areas represents a significant step forward, challenges remain. The investigation into the Nijjar killing is still ongoing, and public sentiments in both countries may take time to fully heal. However, the commitment demonstrated by both Modi and Carney to engage in constructive dialogue and rebuild trust provides a foundation for a more stable and productive relationship between Canada and India in the years to come. The G7 Summit, therefore, served as a crucial platform for initiating this process of reconciliation and setting the stage for enhanced cooperation on a range of global issues.
