India, Canada agree to restore High Commissioners after years of strained relations

At the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, a diplomatic breakthrough unfolded as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney agreed to fully restore diplomatic ties, marking a significant reset in India-Canada relations strained for nearly two years.

In their first face-to-face meeting since tensions flared in 2023 over allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — charges India vehemently rejected as "absurd" and "motivated" — both leaders struck a conciliatory tone, pledging to reinstate High Commissioners to each other's capitals and restart high-level dialogues across multiple sectors.

Describing the talks as “very positive and constructive,” India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the two leaders committed to taking “calibrated steps to restore stability to this very important relationship.” Beyond the restoration of diplomatic representation, Modi and Carney agreed to resume senior-level discussions on trade, people-to-people ties, and connectivity — key pillars that had been paused during the diplomatic chill.

The leaders also mapped out a broad agenda for cooperation on global challenges, ranging from clean energy and digital infrastructure to artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and food security. “Areas like trade, energy, space, clean energy, critical minerals, fertilizers and more offer immense potential,” Modi said after the meeting, praising Carney and the Canadian government for hosting a successful G7 Summit.

Carney, acknowledging India's growing global clout, told Modi, “India has been coming to the G7 since 2019 — a testament to your leadership and the importance of your country as we confront global challenges from energy security to terrorism.”

A statement from Carney’s office reaffirmed shared values of democracy, rule of law, and mutual respect, emphasizing both leaders’ commitment to re-engage “with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses.”

The diplomatic thaw comes after a prolonged standoff triggered by the 2023 Nijjar controversy that saw both nations expelling diplomats and suspending key bilateral engagements. Modi’s visit — his first to Canada in a decade — signals both sides are now ready to turn the page.