Canada, India agree to resume diplomatic services, designate new High Commissioners

ANI June 18, 2025 263 views

India and Canada have agreed to restore full diplomatic services after months of tensions over the Nijjar killing allegations. Both nations will appoint new high commissioners to normalize ties while maintaining their respective positions on sovereignty. The breakthrough came during Modi-Carney talks at the G7 summit, focusing on trade and Indo-Pacific cooperation. While political differences remain, the move signals mutual interest in stabilizing the crucial bilateral relationship.

"We reaffirm ties based on mutual respect and sovereignty" - Canada PMO statement
Kananaskis, June 18: India and Canada agreed to resume full diplomatic services, ending the thaw between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada in 2023.

Key Points

1

G7 summit talks mend strained India-Canada relations

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New high commissioners to restore full diplomatic services

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Tensions stemmed from Nijjar killing allegations

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Bilateral trade and Indo-Pacific cooperation emphasized

At the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries, according to a press release from the Prime Minister of Canada.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They discussed strong and historic ties between their peoples, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links between Canada and India -- including partnerships in economic growth, supply chains, and the energy transformation, read the release.

Prime Minister Carney also raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order.

The discussions on deepening engagement in technology, digital transition, food security, and critical minerals came even as India-Canada ties remain strained due to ongoing political tensions.

India has repeatedly voiced concern over extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to act against such elements.

Tensions escalated further when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that his government had "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023.

India has strongly denied the allegations, terming them "absurd" and "motivated," and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements.

In the aftermath, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared "persons of interest" by Canadian authorities investigating Nijjar's killing. Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

The diplomatic rift between India and Canada has since widened, with Canada allegedly violating various international norms such as the Vienna Convention, and subjecting Indian diplomats to surveillance--against which the Ministry of External Affairs had lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see diplomacy winning over tensions. Canada must understand that sheltering anti-India elements harms bilateral relations. Hope the new High Commissioners can rebuild trust while protecting our national interests 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
As someone with family in both countries, I'm relieved! The tensions were hurting students and businesses. But Canada should stop being a safe haven for Khalistani extremists. Our government was right to stand firm on this.
A
Amit S.
The economic partnership is too valuable to lose over political drama. Canada needs our skilled professionals, and we benefit from their resources. But Modi ji handled this well - no compromise on terrorism, but open to dialogue. 👏
S
Sunita R.
While I welcome the thaw, I hope our government remains cautious. Canada's history of turning a blind eye to separatist activities is concerning. The Vienna Convention violations show they don't always play by the rules.
V
Vikram J.
Both countries need to move forward, but Canada owes India an apology for the baseless allegations. You can't accuse a sovereign nation without solid proof and expect business as usual. The ball is in their court now.
N
Neha P.
As an Indian student planning to study in Canada, this news comes as a huge relief! The uncertainty was stressful. Hope both governments now focus on strengthening educational and cultural exchanges 🤞

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Tags:
India Canada relations Hardeep Singh Nijjar Narendra Modi Mark Carney Khalistani terrorism Diplomatic row G7 summit