NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. The two leaders also agreed to appoint new high commissioners for both countries to help resume “regular services” for citizens and businesses. PM Modi praised Carney for hosting the G7 Summit and said India is looking forward to working closely with Canada to improve ties. He noted the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law that India and Canada share. “Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Complimented him and the Canadian Government for successfully hosting the G7 Summit. India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship. Areas like trade, energy, space, clean energy, critical minerals, fertilisers and more offer immense potential in this regard,” PM Modi posted on X.
Leaders agree to designate new high commissioners
India and Canada have also agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries. A statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office said Carney and PM Modi agreed on the need to strengthen ties based on mutual respect, rule of law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.“The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,” the statement said.PM Modi also thanked Carney for inviting India to the G7 Summit. “I am very grateful to you for inviting India to G7 and I am also fortunate that I have got this opportunity to visit Canada once again after 2015 and connect with the people of Canada,” he said.He also spoke about the strong economic links between the two countries. Canadian companies have invested in India, and Indian businesses have also made a mark in Canada.PM Modi said, “India and Canada relations are very important in many ways. Many Canadian companies have investments in India. The people of India also have a huge investment on Canadian soil. Dedicated to democratic values, Canada and India will have to strengthen democracy together, will have to strengthen humanity…”“This is the first time I have got the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister after his election, so I congratulate him for his grand victory in this election and in the coming period, India and Canada will progress together in many areas with him,” he added.
Relations soured over Nijjar killing
Ties between the two countries had worsened after the killing of pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. In October last year, India withdrew its high commissioner and five other diplomats after Canada linked them to the Nijjar case. India also expelled Canadian diplomats. India had said the Justin Trudeau government was letting pro-Khalistani groups operate from Canada. Carney became prime minister in March this year after Trudeau stepped down. He is an economist and entered politics recently. After Trudeau’s exit, India hoped to rebuild relations with Canada based on “mutual trust and sensitivity.” In recent months, security officials from both countries resumed contact. There have also been talks about appointing new high commissioners. The ministry of external affairs said last week that India sees the upcoming meeting between PM Modi and Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit as a chance to exchange views and “explore pathways” to reset ties.During PM Modi’s previous visit to Canada in 2015, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership. Canada has a large Indian diaspora. About 4.5 per cent of Canada’s population is of Indian origin, including around 1.8 million people of Indian descent. The Sikh population is around 770,000. Additionally, nearly 1 million Non-Resident Indians (NRI) live in Canada as students, skilled professionals, or temporary workers. Indian students have been the largest group of international students in Canada. In 2022, they made up 41 per cent of the international student population. However, Canada’s recent immigration policies have affected both Indian students’ prospects and the finances of Canadian universities.
