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.
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 IndoPacific, 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.
6/17/25, 10:04 PM Canada, India agree to resume diplomatic services, designate new High Commissioners
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.