After a tumultuous period marked by diplomatic expulsions and strained relations, Canada has signaled a potential reset in its relationship with India by making its first personnel posting to the country since October 2023. The move involves the appointment of Jeff David as the new Consul General in Mumbai, effectively ending a freeze on diplomatic postings in Canadian missions in India. This development comes roughly six weeks after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney met at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where they agreed to restore high commissioners to each other's capitals.
The appointment is a notable step, especially considering that diplomatic sources had indicated that the restoration of high commissioners would be the initial step in reviving diplomatic engagement. However, Canada's first concrete action has been to fill the Consul General position in Mumbai. The previous consul general, Diedrah Kelly, had left India in 2023 and has since been based in Manila.
The tensions between India and Canada escalated dramatically following allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. Nijjar, who India had designated as a terrorist, was a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh state. India vehemently denied the accusations, leading to a significant downturn in bilateral relations.
In October 2023, Canada recalled 41 diplomats from India after the Indian government threatened to revoke their diplomatic immunity and security protections. India justified this action by citing the need for parity in diplomatic presence, alleging Canadian interference in its internal affairs. Subsequently, in October 2024, both countries expelled six diplomats each, including their respective high commissioners, in a reciprocal exchange following Canadian accusations of a "targeted campaign against Canadian citizens" involving Indian agents.
Despite the diplomatic freeze, trade between Canada and India has remained relatively stable. India is Canada's 10th largest trading partner. Negotiations for a free trade agreement, which began in 2010, were paused in September 2023, shortly before Trudeau's allegations regarding the Nijjar killing.
The recent meeting between Prime Ministers Modi and Carney at the G7 summit has paved the way for a potential thaw in relations. Both leaders expressed a commitment to restoring regular services for citizens and businesses in their respective countries. They also emphasized the importance of a relationship based on mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law, and commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Several factors could influence the future trajectory of India-Canada relations. National security concerns, particularly regarding Khalistani extremism, remain a critical issue. The appointment of Anita Anand, the first Foreign Minister of Indian origin, by Prime Minister Carney is seen by some as a positive step towards repairing strained bilateral ties. The premiers of two Canadian provinces have also suggested Brad Wall as Canada's next High Commissioner to India.
The appointment of Jeff David as Consul General in Mumbai marks a concrete step towards normalizing diplomatic relations between Canada and India. While challenges remain, this move, coupled with high-level discussions, suggests a willingness from both sides to rebuild a relationship that has faced significant turbulence in recent years.
