India - Canada: Time to Rebuild Relations
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar last week spoke with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand through a telephonic conversation for the first time and discussed strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Anand wrote on X: “Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Soon after, EAM Jaishankar said on his official X account “Appreciate the telecon with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. Discussed the prospects of India-Canada ties. Wished her a very successful tenure.”
Indian-Canadian lawmaker Anita Anand, 58, was appointed as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs earlier this month in a Cabinet reshuffle. She was the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry before the Canada elections and in the past has served in several roles, including Defence Minister. She replaced Melanie Joly, who is now the Minister of Industry.
Resetting ties
Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deepening economic cooperation with India. Even during his campaign, the Canadian Prime Minister said rebuilding ties with India was a priority for his government, describing it as an “incredibly important relationship”. He had said Canadians have deep personal, economic and strategic ties with India.
Relations between India and Canada took a big hit in 2023 after Trudeau publicly accused India of being involved in the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil, allegations that India described as “absurd” and “politically motivated”.
Tensions escalated as Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, followed by a tit-for-tat move by India last year. Both countries expelled top envoys, froze trade talks and suspended official visits.
India has accused Canada of tolerating extremism on its soil and failing to take action to curb attacks against its diplomats.
